Share Your Story: Braden & Amanda

When Braden was just nine years old, his life changed in an instant. What started as simple injuries that wouldn’t heal led to a diagnosis of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Overnight, his family was thrust into a new world of hospitals, treatments, and medical language no parent ever imagines having to learn.

Amanda, his mom, remembers those early days vividly, juggling a newborn, a toddler, and now a very sick child. “They handed me this giant binder, and it was like learning a whole new language. But I realized quickly that God had been preparing me. My past jobs in the medical field helped me absorb it all and advocate for Braden.”

Braden went into remission within months, and for years life moved forward. But in late 2022, as a 19-year-old sophomore at Baylor University, Braden began experiencing pain in his knee that wouldn’t go away. Bloodwork confirmed their worst fears: the leukemia had returned.

“I’m not a complainer,” Braden shared. “I was making it work, even through the pain. But when the doctor called and said, ‘Something’s wrong, you need to get to the hospital immediately,’ I knew it was serious.”

Within weeks, he was back at Texas Children’s Hospital preparing for a bone marrow transplant. For 38 days, Amanda stayed by his side without leaving once. “It was just the two of us,” she recalls. “You become mama bear times twenty. Even though he was technically an adult, he still needed me to advocate for him.”

His Grace Foundation supported the family through meals, supplies, and comfort. Amanda remembers the relief: “When you’re living in the hospital, you don’t realize how heavy the financial burden of daily life is until someone lifts it. Having meals provided, snacks in the family room, and even practical things like detergent in our welcome basket, it was such a blessing.”

In February 2023, Braden received his transplant. Amanda still carries the image of him holding the bag of donor cells. “It was such a powerful visual of Christ’s sacrifice, His blood making us new. Watching Braden receive that gift of life will forever change how I see God’s grace.”

Today, Braden is thriving. He returned to Baylor, where he is now a senior double-majoring in history and journalism, serving as executive producer for the student TV station. This December, he will graduate, just one semester later than originally planned. His dream is to teach history, inspiring future generations with his love of stories.

When asked how the experience has shaped him, Braden smiles: “Honestly, I think it made me funnier. I like to make jokes about it, and people don’t always know how to respond, but I laugh.” He also says it’s taught him to trust people more deeply.

For Amanda, the journey has deepened her faith and compassion. “I used to wonder how the Israelites could forget God’s miracles so quickly. But now I’ve seen God provide again and again through Braden’s journey. I’ll never forget it. This experience has made me more empathetic, more willing to talk to others who are hurting. And most of all, I’m grateful, because my son is here.”