Welcome to Brandon's Defense!
Supporting kids with cancer.... because no child should battle cancer alone.
Our Mission: To increase the awareness of childhood cancer, fund pediatric research and to provide resources for children with cancer. All of our initiatives are accomplished by volunteers.
Our Vision: That research will continue to increase survival rates for all cancers, so that that one day, every child can be guaranteed a cure.
Our Program: Brandon’s Defense is a 501©3 public charity – all gifts are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Brandon’s Defense was incorporated on May 9, 2009 in the State of Michigan.
Tax ID# 35-2363637.
Brandon’s Defense was established in May, 2009 in honor of Brandon Lee Gordon (Gordie #22) after a 731 day battle with Osteosarcoma. Brandon often wondered where the gold ribbons were... why "childhood cancer" is rarely in the media... why the protocol he was on was 30 years old... and why there were no more options for him to keep fighting! Even with countless tumors throughout his entire body and extreme difficulty breathing, Brandon still wanted to fight! Brandon asked if we could same day raise money for pediatric cancer research to provide more treatment options for "kids". Our mission was developed based on what was helpful to Brandon throughout his journey and to honor his request to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. Brandon's Defense will carry on the fight in his honor... help kids with cancer in the Mid Michigan area and fund childhood cancer research so hopefully some day soon every child "will" win their battle with cancer.
About
Services Provided
Necessity Bags
Bags are provided to families at Sparrow Hospital with a newly diagnosed child with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. Bags contain toiletries and helpful items needed for an extended hospital stay.
Backpacks
Each newly-diagnosed child at Sparrow & Detroit Children's Hospital will receive a bag with things to help entertain them while they are in treatment and a nice soft blanket to keep them warm.
Snack Pantry
Clinic visits can be long – sometimes lasting several hours. A snack box is available at MSU pediatric clinic for patient use.
Gas Cards
Traveling to and from the clinic and/or hospital several times a month can be costly. We provide gas cards for those in need of some assistance with their transportation costs.
Research
At least 50% of the funds raised go directly to fund pediatric oncology research. Visit the research funded tab to learn more about the research projects that we have donated funds.
Other Services:
In addition to the things we do and provide in our mission, we also step in to:
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help make a birthday or holiday special
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support life threatening procedures
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coordinate children at Sparrow with MSU athletes
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help with special circumstances
We utilize social media to help build awareness as well as share news, stories and upcoming events. Like us on Facebook to keep up with all the latest news.
There are many ways you can help kids with cancer. There is no such thing as too small of a gift or gesture. We accept donations of new and/or used laptops, video game consoles and video games to provide to local families with a child fighting cancer. Funding is always a priority because without generous people supporting us we would not be able to fulfill our mission. Any and all donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law and are always greatly appreciated! Please email brandondefense@gmail.com if you have any questions, suggestions or ideas on how we can better our program.
Toy Chest
When a child has a procedure, blood draw, or just needs a little lift while they are at MSU pediatric clinic they can choose a toy out of the toy chest.
Foundation Sponsors
Northpointe Bank works to be a different kind of bank with you at the center of everything they do. Thanks Northpointe Bank for your continued support to help kids with cancer!
Todd Wenzel Buick GMC Grand Rapids has a customer-first approach-from offering the largest inventory selection and a staff that truly knows their stuff, to bold rewards after the deal. They work to make sure their customers actually enjoy, rather than dread, buying or servicing their vehicle. Be sure to visit them for your car needs! Huge thanks to Todd Wenzel Buick GMC for their continued support to help in our fight with childhood cancer.
Thank you Missad Foundation for your generous contribution to Brandon's Defense and your continued support in our fight with childhood cancer!
Bond Corporation is a local Portfolio Lender that may be the answer to many of your client's immediate financing needs. They have been in Grand Rapids Michigan since 1960 and specialize in Michigan & Indiana Real Estate Lending. Thanks Bond Corporation for your continued support to help kids with cancer!
Phil and Kathy Korson opened Clearview Orchard in Haslett over 25 years ago and have an outstanding u-pick and farm market stand. This local farm focuses on apples and peaches, but also have pumpkins, gourds, and squash for sale. Open September- October. Be sure to visit this incredible farm in the fall! Huge thanks to the Korson family for their ongoing support in the fight with childhood cancer.
Fuerstenau Burkett Agency offers a variety of savings and discounts you’ll actually want and need. From travel expenses to car services, they’re committed to saving you money and giving you the best value for your Farm Bureau membership. Thank you Fuerstenau Burkett Agency for your continued support to help kids with cancer!
Thank you Kurt & MaryLou Ruff for your continued support throughout the years to Brandon's Defense!
At the Physical Therapy Connection (PTC) they provide individualized patient care in a kind and friendly atmosphere in Dewitt, Michigan. For those in need of excellent recovery care in the surrounding Lansing area be sure to visit PTC. Thanks PTC for supporting Brandon's Defense and our mission!
Charlie & Marcene have been long time supporters of Brandon's Defense. Thanks Murphy family for your continued support to help kids with cancer!
Established in 1926, the Reed Insurance Agency has proudly provided comprehensive insurance solutions throughout the State of Michigan. Reed Insurance Agency has supported Brandon's Defense since Brandon's own personal battle. Thanks Reed Insurance Agency for your continued support!
Thank you Jill & George Verscheure for your continued support every year for Brandon's birthday!
Thank you Steve & Barbara Simoni for your continued support to Brandon's Defense!
Thank you Airport Tavern for your continued support throughout the years to Brandon's Defense!
Thank you Lisa, Randee & JD Roy for your continued support with Brandon's Defense and all the love and support you provided to Brandon throughout his cancer journey.
Thank you Bob & Michelle Halloran for your ongoing support throughout the years to Brandon's Defense!
Thank you JP Management Inc. (Patrick Schafer) for your support!
MLB Residential Lending serves the lending needs of home buyers, homeowners, real estate professionals and builders. Thanks MLB Mortgage for your continued support in our fight with childhood cancer!
Thank you Theresa & Mark Wichtoski for your continued support throughout the years to Brandon's Defense.
With a Christian focus, the Foundation supports and strengthens programs and services that improve the quality of life, community and economy with an emphasis on West Michigan. Thank you for your partnership in our fight with childhood cancer!
Noble Films Corporation was created to serve industrial packaging distributors' requirements for quality packaging film products. With over 25 years of experience in the packaging industry, their ambition is to provide only the highest quality packaging films and to facilitate education on new film technologies and advanced alternatives to their customers. Thank you Noble Films Corporation for your support!
Thanks Future Pro USA (Jeff Lerg) for supporting Brandon's Defense and our mission to help kids with cancer!
Michigan State University Hockey has partnered with us from day one to "shoot for a cure"! Proceeds from the "chuck-a-puck" and other fundraising efforts support Brandon's Defense initiatives. MSU athletes also make several children's days brighter visiting them at Sparrow Hospital. Thank you MSU and Spartan fans for being such an incredible advocate and your continued support!