Meet Brayden

Brayden was a kind, positive, athletic, and charismatic 10-year-old when he was first diagnosed with a rare type of brain cancer, called Anaplastic Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma (APXA). This type of high grade glioma account for less than 1% of all primary brain tumors, and there is currently no standard of care.

Brayden underwent brain surgery, where they were able to do a Gross Total Resection of his tumor. That was followed by 30 rounds of radiation and oral chemotherapy. During this time, Bray continued going to school, playing basketball, went to sleep-away camp for the first time, and had so many wonderful experiences. He did it all with a smile. Most people had no idea he was a cancer patient.

About a year after finishing radiation, Brayden started getting horrible headaches. These were initially diagnosed as migraines, as several MRIs showed no evidence of disease. However, none of the migraine medications seemed to work.

After three months and countless hospital stays, his MRI finally confirmed what we all feared: the cancer had returned. In April 2024, Brayden was diagnosed with Leptomeningeal Disease, a cancer of the CSF fluid in the brain and spine. Despite trying other treatment options, Brayden died on May 28, 2024, just two weeks before his 12th birthday.

Even through pain, countless testing and MRIs, and weeks at a time in the hospital, Brayden never lost his positive attitude, sense of humor or compassion for others. During his stays at CHLA, he could often be found wandering the halls talking to nurses. Whether it was explaining what the lyrics of his favorite AC/DC song meant, convincing someone to get a puppy, or rolling remote control cars down the hallway, he was known and adored by everyone.

We will forever miss his signature smile, his ability to connect with everyone, and his strength.