Brandon Landis
Lake Highlands High School graduate Brandon Landis always has loved sports, and as an elementary and junior high athlete, he showed physical promise.
Then, the first symptoms hit in 2009 during a football camp. “It started with a sore throat, and within 24 hours, I went from running and throwing the football with my buddies to not being able to walk or talk,” he told us back in 2010.
Physical limitations caused by a neurological movement disorder brought his dreams of being a high school star to an end. The condition caused him to lose control of one arm, gradually lose muscle control, involuntarily twist, sometimes in pain.
It has not entirely stopped him from being part of the team, though. You might recall that in 2010 the Lake Highlands Junior High football team put Brandon on the field, where he caught a pass and ran for a touchdown.
It was clear throughout his time as a student at Lake Highlands that he remained a major factor in team sports and was loved by his classmates.
His peers have raised funds for his treatment over the years by selling T-shirts and hosting a gala and auction.
Since then, doctors have more accurately pinpointed Brandon’s diagnosis, Sydenham Chorea, which could gradually damage his brain.
“Brandon’s condition has continually gotten worse,” according to a group called Friends of Brandon Landis. The Landis’ have spent countless hours with doctors and therapists trying to positively diagnose his condition and find next steps to improving his quality of life. 2016 came with a new doctor willing to take a look at Brandon with fresh eyes. … This month, he is beginning a new treatment that will last anywhere from 6-12 months. … regardless of the success of this new treatment, Brandon will require long-term care … We want to create a home where Brandon can be safe, can receive appropriate therapy and care and where the Landis’ can enjoy family life. Please click on the link below to see how you can help make this next stage of Brandon’s life possible. [https://www.youcaring.com/brandonlandisandfamilydrewmelissaandcassidy-769198]
Tuesday night the Wildcat baseball team from Lake Highlands High School hosts Brandon Landis Night at home field.
“The Wildcat Baseball Team is playing in his honor in their game against Jesuit on Tuesday night and invites the community to join them in rallying around Brandon and his family,” according to organizers of the fundraiser. “It will be a Lake Highlands-wide fundraising event to help the family defray some of the costs associated with the [expensive] treatments …”
Insurance doesn’t cover the $4,000-per-month medicine, so funds from Tuesday’s game will help the family. Admission is $5 and the game begins at 7:30 p.m.
