Cards for Brayden: Local business brings community together to support a young boy fighting cancer

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND)- A local business is bringing the community together to put a smile on the face of a young boy who has fought not one, but two types of cancer.

On July 23rd, 2021, at only 2 years old, Brayden was diagnosed with a stage 4 high risk Neuroblastoma.

Starting quickly after his diagnosis, he underwent five rounds of induction chemotherapy, 2 stem cell transplants, 12 days of radiation, and 12 rounds of chemo and immunotherapy. He ended his treatment cycles in 2023 and then entered a clinical trial for relapse prevention, which included six more rounds of oral chemo.

Owner of the Back Home Boutique, Heather Elliott says, "Actually he was in remission, cleared last September and then this July just after his 5th birthday, was diagnosed with leukemia from the chemo he had to take for the first cancer."

After getting into remission, Brayden began limping 14 months into the two-year clinical trial, which was a red flag to his doctors.

After testing, blood transfusions, and admission to the Emergency Room for a high fever at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Brayden was diagnosed with treatment-related leukemia on July 3, 2024, just before his 5th birthday.

Back Home Boutique is working to bring a smile to his face as he continues his fight. They aim to celebrate his birthday by filling his hospital room with cards.

"He had told his mom that he wanted enough cards to fill his whole hospital room, so that is the plan, that is the goal.", said Elliott.

Elliott will be collecting cards and gifts to send to Brayden through the end of the month.

The overall goal for this project is letting him know that he has people that are thinking about him and supporting him as he continues his fight to beat cancer for the second time.

Elliott continued, "So, if you bring in a card, you will be entered for a $50 gift card, and if you bring a gift, you will be entered for a $100 gift card."

He just completed round one of chemo and will continue treatment. Brayden will also need a bone marrow transplant soon as part of his treatment plan.

If you are interested in sending a card or gift you can drop them off at the Back Home Boutique on Merchant Street in Downtown Decatur or contact Elliott for more information, and if you want to follow Brayden's journey you can follow their Facebook page Brayden's Fight Against Neuroblastoma and Acute Myeloid Leukemia.