Iron Warriors MC Nation

Community helps fulfill dying child's wishBy Libby Allen • Special to the Advertiser • July 11, 2010

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-->TITUS -- This weekend, 5-year-old Brandon Jones' dream is coming true.

Along with his mother and stepfather, Brandon is traveling to the Magic Kingdom, thanks to the love and support of the Wetumpka-area community.Just a few months ago, Brandon was diagnosed with a type of malignant brain tumor that forms in infancy.

Though Brandon's condition sometimes can be very delicate, intertwined with bouts of pain in the legs and eyes, he's still an active boy. Just a few hours before Brandon was set to leave for Walt Disney World on Friday, he was running around the living room of his Titus home, trying to make his 7-month-old sister, Josie, giggle and smile.

His mother, Stephanie Jones, said Brandon is especially intuitive and intelligent, and he has the ability to make anyone smile.

"He can make any baby laugh," Jones said. "Even when other parents can't make their kids laugh, Brandon has this way of making them smile."

Brandon, who is receiving hospice care at home, finds his peace from talking to God and playing with angels at night, she said.

"He loves Jesus, and I think it's really helped him through a lot of this."

Jones said that before she even knew she was pregnant with her daughter, Brandon had told his teacher that his mom was having a baby.

"When his teacher came to congratulate me on the pregnancy I had no idea what she was talking about," she said. "Sure enough, a few days later I went to the doctor, and he said I was pregnant."

Jones said Brandon loves his little sister, and helps take care of her.

The 5-year-old confirmed that by shaking his head and saying, "It's a lot of work, taking care of a baby. A lot of work."

The community became involved in helping Jones fulfill Brandon's wish after Jones came down with stress-related shingles. She went to PriMed in Wetumpka, which is where she met Dr. Victoria Beckman. Jones told the doctor about her son's condition, and Beckman quickly became involved with Brandon's family.

"The courage this woman has is amazing. She's got a backbone like you wouldn't believe. Just constantly, constantly thinking of others," Beckman said.

Thanks to the efforts of PriMed and other groups and individuals who have made contributions, Brandon took off Friday for a three-night stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World in Florida.

"It's awesome. It's beyond awesome, what these people around the community are doing for Brandon. Everyone is contributing every little thing they can," Beckman said.

So far, a total of $4,900 has been raised to pay for the Disney trip and other family expenses. On Thursday, Hardee's donated 25 percent of its sales from 5 to 9 p.m. to the Jones family. That effort raised $2,400. Regions Bank, the Surge-

stone band, the Iron Warriors motorcycle club and Country Club Manor also have contributed. And Disney gave the family $500 toward their stay in the Magic Kingdom.

So proud to be a member of this club.  You all ROCK!