Braxtons Story.

On Christmas Day 2023, our family began living a nightmare that no one could have anticipated. Braxton, the vibrant little boy who made Chelsea into a mom, and gave Brock the title of dad, was admitted to the hospital. What started as jaundice and abnormal liver enzyme levels soon pointed to something far more serious—liver failure.

In the months that followed, Braxton’s health took us on a whirlwind journey. At first, doctors suspected Wilson’s Disease, a rare genetic disorder affecting the liver. Then came a possible diagnosis of Evan’s Syndrome, another rare condition that attacks blood cells and prevents the formation of platelets. Through it all, we learned that Braxton’s body was no longer producing blood cells on its own.

Despite multiple tests and hospital stays, answers remained elusive until April 8, 2024. That day, the results of a bone marrow biopsy revealed the diagnosis we had been dreading—Aplastic Anemia. This incredibly rare blood disorder affects only about 1 in 2 million people in the United States.

To give Braxton the best chance at recovery, his doctors determined he would need a bone marrow transplant. Until then, he required weekly hospital trips for infusions and transfusions, which sometimes involved traveling to Portland, a four hour round trip. His siblings, Colby (7) and Brooklynn (4), were tested as potential donors, as siblings they were the most likely matches. Neither were a match, and the donor registry was our next hope.

Once a match was found, Braxton was to begin chemotherapy to prepare his body for the transplant. This would require an extended hospital stay where he must remain within 25 minutes of the medical team.

The journey so far had been long and challenging, and Braxton’s spirit remained strong. His parents, Brock and Chelsea, had faced countless hurdles, from navigating insurance processes to managing work absences and traveling for treatments. All while ensuring Colby and Brooklynn had the support they need during this difficult time.

Nobody could have prepared them for what came next. On Friday 05/17/2024, Braxton passed away unexpectedly due to complications from a secondary infection. Just a week away from when Braxton was scheduled to start his chemotherapy in prep for his bone marrow transplant. Chelsea and her family, received an immense amount of support from the local community. They were facing the hardest time they will ever face in their life, but they had received nothing but love every step of the way. Something that not every family in their situation has the opportunity to receive.

This foundation was created in Braxton’s honor, not just to raise awareness about Aplastic Anemia but to support other families who are facing the unthinkable. It also reflects Braxton’s love for life and sports by providing funding for local youth programs, giving kids the opportunity to thrive just as Braxton always had.

Every contribution makes a difference—whether it’s supporting the costs of travel and treatment or helping children in our community achieve their dreams. We are so grateful for the village that has rallied around us, and we welcome anyone who wants to join this journey of hope and healing.