Hello, My name is Brandon Brewer. I am eight years old and have been sick most of my life.

Shortly after I was born I became very sick and was placed in the Neo-Natal ICU. I had my first operation when I was only 24 hours old. After spending two months in the Neo-Natal ICU, I was finally diagnosed with Total Colonic Aganglionosis (short bowel syndrome, due to Hirschsprungs disease). I could not absorb my food properly. I had to be fed intravenously and by a tube through my stomach.

These intravenous feeds contained medicines that were destroying my liver, therefore my my mom and dad took me to a hospital in Pittsburgh where they did small bowel transplants. The doctors said I could maybe get a small bowel transplant before my liver failed but the wait was long, so they listed me for both.

Before the Transplant

After that we went home to Tennessee and waited for a donor, I went through alot before my transplant but I do feel better now! I got my small bowel transplant and bone marrow as well to help fight rejection on June 23rd 1996.

This is me in ICU after the Transplant

I do get sick very easy now due to I am on medicines that lower my immune system. I have also met my donors family. They come to visit me when they can. I know all about Nicole and how she saved my life, I even have pictures of her on my wall ! She is a my true angel . Her mom and dad told me so!

I found out recently I have new liver problems and kidney problems but I have been doing great. The doctors say only time will tell if I will need to have a transplant of those organs.

I am the most happiest child and I will not let this get to me, thats what my parents are for!! The lord above will take care of me, he is in my heart and I believe in he takes care of all those in need.

For now I run and play , someday when I grow up I will be able to help someone else to be able to run and play

Thank You and God Bless,

Brandon Brewer

(parents- Chris and Brande Brewer and little brother Jonathan )