5:57 Pm

We did a candle fundraiser a few months back and we had a HUGE response from it. We raised over $1,000 in profit in candle sales. I've had a few people ask me if I would do another candle fundraiser and after resting a week from the hamburger fry, I decided that I could survive another candle fundraiser. So if anyone would like to order, please let me know at kstewart@elpasotel.net - I can email you a list of scents, sizes & price. I need all orders in by July 4th (mine & John's wedding anniversary). On Wednesday (June 25th) we meet with a guy who saw Brandon's story on the news. Tyrone Wright is a mixed martial arts fighter who wants to dedicate his August 2nd fight to Brandon. He has asked us to be there so Brandon can get in the ring and be introducted to the audience. He has also offered to pass a bucket around in the audience for donations for Brandon. Brandon is looking forward to meeting a "fighter". He thinks it's funny that people fight on a stage.

8:09 PM

In the last post I added a donation to the fundraising event in Scott City, Kansas that really wasn't "part" of the Hamburger Fry. And so I would like to thank the children at the Scott Mennonite Vacation Bible School for generously donating their change to Brandon's Fight For Sight. They raised $423.00!! We have had several children donate their change or piggy banks to Brandon. In a way it makes me proud that the children of our future so thoughtful but it saddens me as well. They unselfishly give to Brandon instead of buying that new toy they have been saving up for. At Ellicott Elementary, a few kids donated their savings instead of buying a wii console that they had been saving up for. They just said they would start over on saving for one. It literally brought tears to my eyes. Tonight I was told that a few children were selling lemonade on Main St in Scott City for Brandon during the Hamburger Fry. I wish I knew who they were but my mother in-law wasn't sure either. If anyone knows who the children were, please send me an e-mail at kstewart@elpasotel.net

We have had $3,355.66 in donations to Brandon's ENT account since Brandon's story was aired on Channel 13 news. I wish I knew who the donors are that put money into Brandon's account but unfortunately it only shows up as a deposit (no names). So to the countless people who have donated to Brandon's ENT account - THANK YOU! I truly wish I could send a thank you note or call all the people who have helped Brandon but sadly many names remain unknown so all I can do is recognize them here on Brandon's blog.

11:22 PM

WE RAISED $5,969.48 IN THE SCOTT CITY HAMBURGER FRY!! THANK YOU SCOTT CITY!! The hamburger fry was a complete success and we owe a huge "Thank You" to everyone who helped make the it a success. From the ones who cooked the hamburgers to the ones who bagged the burgers, poured drinks, sold raffle tickets, and donated items. And especially to the people who came out to show their support in Brandon's Fight For Sight. It was really nice to walk around the park and see so many smiling faces who

were there to enjoy the day with us. The band was great which only topped off the perfect day. We were blessed with absolutely the best weather - not too hot, but not cold and NO WIND!! Brandon had fun meeting all the people who have been rootin' for him. He was able to swing for awhile which was a big plus for him. At the end of the day, Brandon drew the raffle ticket winners. We were able to sell 83 lbs of left over (uncooked) hamburger for 2.00 a lb. As soon as we got back to Grandma & Grandpa's house, Brandon was ready to put his PJ's on and go to bed. It was an exhausting weekend but we had a lot of fun. PICTURES: Top photo is Brandon in the town of "Brandon, Colorado". Every since we moved to Colorado Springs, we go past Brandon, Colorado on our way back to Kansas. For almost 5 years I have been wanting to stop to take a photo of Brandon in "Brandon" but the timing was wrong (didn't have the camera, Brandon was sleeping, too dark, etc.). Finally today on our way back home, I was able to stop for a few minutes to take the picture. 1st left picture: Lila, Brandon, & Grandma Bonnie at the donation / raffle table. Brandon met so many people who are looking forward to the day we board the plane for China. 1st right picture: several people brought out their lawn chairs to enjoy the hamburgers, listen to the band, and soak up the perfect day. 2nd left picture: Brandon is able to tell the crowd "Thank You" after he drew the winning raffle tickets. Standing next to him is Bonnie Christianson & Grandma Bonnie. 2nd right picture: Harold Wright and his band. They were great!! Since John's birthday was the following day, they sang "Happy Birthday" to him. The 3rd left picture: We had so many people who volunteered their time to help cook hamburgers, wrap them up, pour drinks, & toss the cookies in the bags.

9:57 PM

Today we met a very nice guy, Andy, who donated $1,000 to Brandon's Fund. Andy became blind when he was 9 years and when he heard Brandon's story on the news, he decided to help. He called Channel 13 News station who was kind enough to set up a meeting between all of us. John, Brandon & I met this morning at ENT Credit Union with Jennifer Brown (Channel 13 news), her cameraman, CJ, and Andy. Channel 13 did an update and interviewed Andy which will air next Monday. Brandon asked Andy for a hug which he received and then they compared canes. We exchanged e-mails and hopefully we can stay in touch. Andy lives in Pennslyvania but he comes to Colorado a few times a year. We're heading to Kansas tomorrow for Friday's fundraiser. Everyone there has really helped our plight for Brandon and I can't wait to tell Scott City "Thank You"!! Photo: Jennifer Brown with Brandon & Andy.