In 2008, US Air Force Lieutenant Dave Mitchell was killed in a training accident at Luke Air Force Base. At the time of Lieutenant Mitchell’s death, his wife Kristi was pregnant with their son Brayden who is now five years old.
In early January, after going to the hospital for what the family thought was appendicitis, Brayden was diagnosed with a stage 3 Wilms Tumor: kidney cancer. A subsequent scan found another tumor on Brayden’s other kidney. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy, and will need radiation and surgery to remove a tumor on his kidney.
Shortly after his diagnosis, a Facebook group of friends and family banded together to support Brayden and his family. The private group, dubbed “Brayden’s Backers,” currently has over 300 members that are rallying together to provide the family with prayers and words of encouragement, as well as tangible help such as meals and financial donations.
Brayden’s Backers will be hosting a fundraiser for the family on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Wingz in Brunswick, Ohio. The event (which will cost $25 per person to attend) will include dinner, soft drinks, music, and dancing as well as a silent auction, reverse raffle, and Chinese auction baskets.
Brayden’s Backers are seeking the support of area businesses and individuals that feel compelled to help this family that has endured so much. As Americans, we feel the special obligation to care for the families of our fallen troops, and Brayden’s family is a prime example.
Donations of all kinds (tangible goods, gift certificates, etc) are very much appreciated. Brayden’s Backers hope to provide the family with excellent financial resources that night as well as the reminder that they are supported by their fellow Americans. For more information on how to make a donation, please contact Rebecca Klein at rebecca@company119.com.
