Brian’s Blog was created for all of his friends, family, fans, and community members who are cheering him on in his fight against leukemia. Brian graduated from HHS in May of this year. Many people know Brian due to his leadership, sportsmanship, and outstanding athletic achievements including three state championships in wrestling, a state football championship, state discus champion 2011 and varsity track and soccer teams. He had received a call to serve a full-time mission to Uruguay and was planning to start his mission at the end of the month. After completing his mission to Uruguay, Brian planned to play football at SUU where he has already received a full-ride scholarship. Brian was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) on Tuesday October 2nd. That very day he was taken to Salt Lake City for intensive inpatient care. He has been receiving chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and other treatments. We hope and pray that Brian will recover with the help of competent medical care. Doctors say that there is an 80% chance that Brian’s cancer will respond favorably to treatment. Thank you so much for your support. We will keep you updated regularly on Brian’s progress.
Update: On January 14, 2014, Brian passed away after a 15 1/2 month battle with leukemia. He was in remission following the first series of chemotherapy treatments for only 3 months, in spite of earlier optimism. Another harder hitting chemotherapy began in June with the intention of following with a bone marrow transplant but instead, alternative treatments in Colorado Springs and later Atlanta were chosen. Those also were unsuccessful, too little too late. In November he underwent yet more chemotherapy in Denver. The leukemia did not respond. Brian returned home to Southern Utah friends and family on December 12, 2013. Leukemia took his mortal life, but it can't touch his spirit.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

October 21, 2012
Tonight I am thankful for all of the blessings we have received on this journey.  Brian had another good day, and now has his hair buzzed off and is adjusting well to the change.  He was shedding so bad, it was messy and itchy and it had to go.  He had a good time with his buddy Mike taking it off bit by bit, from one wild style to another till finally just cutting it all off! I'll have to post a photo or two... Tonight he also got to get out and stroll the empty hallways (with a mask on) and get some exercise going up the stairs for the second time. It's like escaping, and fun to do! :) I believe in the power of prayer and am thankful for Heavenly Father's constant love and blessings in our lives.
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1 comment:

  1. Carol HennessyOctober 23, 2012 at 10:32 AM

    Thank you for sharing this amazing journey. I am Coach Gardner's mother-in-law. We live in So. Calif. but have spent many happy hours watching Brian play, both up there and by internet feed. Our prayers are with Brian and your family. Carol Hennessy

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