“Smiles in the Midst of Struggle: Branson Becomes Eligible for His Life-Saving Transplant”

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As Branson prepares for his long-awaited bone marrow transplant next month, his mother, Nichole, has been faithfully sharing daily updates from their temporary home overseas. Each message is raw, heartfelt, and full of vivid details that pull readers into the deeply personal reality of their experience.

In a recent update, Nichole shared both the emotional and physical toll of the process: “Today held so much. I completed the last tests I needed to officially become Branson’s donor, so that part is finally behind us. It was at a different hospital from where Branson is, and honestly, I don’t even know how to put it into words… it was hard. The culture here is just different from what we’re used to, and the language barrier makes everything feel 100 times harder. I’ll probably carry some PTSD from today alone, ha. “But on the bright side, Branson had a great day! He did physical therapy and was able to walk a little. He can’t walk down the hallway because of his immune system, but just seeing him move and eat well today made us so happy. After all my tests, I snuck in a quick visit, and it made my whole day.

“We had a conference with the doctors tonight to sign contracts and finalize everything for transplant. It’s becoming real. Monday through Wednesday, Branson will undergo total body irradiation. Tuesday and Friday, he’ll receive chemotherapy. And then next Saturday is transplant day—the day we’ve waited and prayed for so long is finally almost here!!

“Please continue to pray fervently. We feel the weight of this journey every single day. Homesickness crushes us in ways I can’t even explain. Tonight, Maddox had his first football game and Magnolia had her lessons, and not being there just breaks our hearts. Some days are so heavy—and today was one of them. “We love all of you and are so thankful for every prayer, message, and bit of support. Please keep praying—we need it all.

“Edited to add—Branson’s vision still hasn’t returned, but hopefully soon.”Continue reading…

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