Written by: Bailey Hemphill
Young Hero: Brandon Collins
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B
randon Collins is an inquisitive, passionate, and happy 10-year-old who goes to Willa Cather Elementary. He has two older brothers: Patrick, a freshman at Millard West High School, and Tyler, a seventh grader at Millard North Middle School. “Brandon can one minute be his older brothers’ antagonist and the next minute their greatest fan. He loves to spend time with them,” says his mom, Melissa. When Brandon was in first grade, he was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma, one of the most rapidly growing forms of human cancer. “Within days of discovering a small lump on his neck, the tumor had tripled in size,” says Melissa. Brandon was started on an aggressive chemotherapy that used drugs in high doses and spent the majority of the following four months in the hospital or at the oncology clinic at Children’s Hospital. Amazingly, Brandon stayed positive throughout the experience. “The oncologist told me numerous times how impressed she was that Brandon never complained. He always decided that he would have fun while at the hospital for our extended stays, and he always did.” And although Brandon couldn’t go to school, he worked at home with a teacher and continued learning. “[Cancer] is a scary word for everyone, including children, but Brandon was sure in his faith and never doubted God’s healing hands or God’s plan for him, even as a 6-year-old,” says Melissa. Through his dealings with cancer, Brandon became even more empathetic toward others than he already was. “He really has a heart for others that are feeling pain, physically or emotionally.” Melissa believes Brandon is special because of his zest for life. “Talking with people comes natural for him, and he has a way of easily becoming comfortable around others. He can charm anyone with his smile and dimples.” According to her, Brandon has always been a natural leader in a positive and constructive way, which makes him a good role model for other kids. “He likes everyone and enjoys having fun; but, at the same time, he follows the rules, and everyone just naturally follows.”
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Brandon inspires Melissa because he has dealt with a hardship at a young age, and yet he manages to stay positive and passionate for life. “Someday, he wants to be a cryptozoologist. I have no doubt SPECTRUM he will make that happen!”
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Family Spectrum and Omaha Storm Chasers would like to honor your Young Hero. Send nominations to Bailey@OmahaPublications.com. • readonlinenow.com May 2012 • • • •
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