A Brentwood family who missed Halloween was given a re-do last week with participation from the school district, police department, fire department and the mayor.
Morgun “Gunny” Brandon, 5, who suffers from Eosinophilic Esophagitis, a disease that depletes the body of iron and essential nutrients necessary for proper development and physical growth, was given a trick-or-treat to remember.
Brandon, who was diagnosed in Sept. 2010, had to travel to Cincinnati Ohio for testing and missed Halloween.
Dana Eaton, Superintendent of the Brentwood Union School District, says the idea came from Lynelle Russell who knew the young boy had been unable to participate in trick-or-treating because he was getting medical treatment out of state.
Eaton says their dad is also deployed on active duty in the military so his older sister also had to travel.
“Michelle Brandon was doing double duty during a tough time for the family,” says Eaton. “Lynelle asked if we could let him dress up and come through the district office and trick-or-treat our workstations. She worked with Gayle Crockett to get volunteers to participate. Immediately everyone wanted to.”
Photo provided by Mechelle Brandon
Eaton said the staff was so excited about the cause that they went out of their way to decorate their desk cubicles and create special treats. In total, 40 people participated.
“I am fortunate to work together with an amazing group of district office employees who do great work, on behalf of children, behind the scenes every day,” says Eaton.
Mechelle Brandon said she was thankful for the gesture by the community.
“My husband and I have full hearts of joy. We are beyond thankful for the community we live in. Too see the smile on my kiddos faces were priceless and it’s something we will never forget,” said Brandon.
Mayor Bob Taylor was invited along with the fire department and school resource officer Michael Rucker.
According to Eaton, the Fire Chief made special baskets out of fire helmets for the kids. The mayor presented special bags of candy to both kids and Officer Rucker let the kids trick or treat his patrol car and turn on the sirens.
Photo provided by East Contra Costa Fire Protection District
The Fire District said on Facebook that “Mom juggles things on her own – working, the severe allergies and the family while his Marine dad is currently deployed. Wanting to help make things a bit brighter, staff at BUSD transformed their office space back in time to Halloween and invited local leaders, the student and his family to a fun afternoon of trick-or-treating.
“This is Brentwood. It is a town filled with caring people who saw a wonderful family who needed support and they stepped up. It reminded me once again how lucky I am to live and work here,” says Eaton.
Fundraiser Planned
According to Mechelle Brandon, to help with medical costs and travel for testing, they are planning another Zumba-a-thon at Delta Valley Health Club. All donations are strictly for flying, hotel, and rental car.
For those who would like to donate to the cause:
Make checks payable to Morgun Brandon
Tri Counties Bank
2400 Sandcreek Road
Brentwood Ca, 94513
Acct# put on check 3700-18170
Any questions or if you would like to help create a fundraiser email at [email protected]
About Team Morgun
My name is Morgun but I like to be called “Gunny” and I am 5 years old. I love playing with Airplanes and my favorite ones are Southwest, Patriot Jets, and Fed Ex planes. I also love playing baseball, shooting hoops and riding my 2 wheeler bike with my big sister. My daddy is a United States Marine and is overseas since we need to be able to afford our health care for me to get the care I need. He has been in for 16 years and recently he has volunteered to be deployed for the last 3 years for 100 percent coverage for us. My mommy works at the local School Here in Brentwood and takes good care of me. See have a disease called Eosinophilic Esophagitis. I was diagnosed with EE in Sept of 2010 and it’s been a struggle for me ever since. I can’t eat certain foods because it makes me sick and I have to drink a special formula. Since I was 9 months old I have had 3 surgeries, and 20 sedations. I have a long road ahead of me and I can use all the support I can get. Please read below and learn about my illness and help us spread awareness.
Eosinophilic disease is a very complicated and complex disease that depletes the body of iron and essential nutrients necessary for proper development and physical growth. White blood Cells called Eosinophils attack the proteins of foods and the Gi track. Symptoms include pain, swelling, skin rash, hives, reflux, choking, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stools containing blood and/or mucus, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fever, esophageal rings, motility problems, bowel obstruction, bowel or stomach wall thickening (from scar tissue buildup), pseudo polyps, protein loss, anemia, malabsorption, developmental delay, bleeding, and several other symptoms that occur in individual cases. Many people also experience nutritional deficiencies and/or side effects from medications, such as neuropathy (nerve damage) or osteoporosis (decrease in bone mass). Due to lack of nourishment caused from multiple food allergies or intolerance to so many foods, some children must rely on a simplified liquid formula or feeding tube for their nutrition on a daily basis. IMAGINE A CHILD LIVING THEIR DAYS LIKE THIS…. Not only does Morgun suffer from EE he also suffers from GERD, and Bicuspid Aortic Heart Valve. Since we have been able to get treatment out at Children’s Cincinnati Hospital I was able to get diagnosed properly. I suffer from a rare disease called Familiar Mediterranean Fever Syndrome and Elhers Danlos Syndrome, I also carry the RAB27A Mutation for griscelli Syndrome. Even though I suffer with all this, I don’t let my diseases define who I am or who I am going to become. I thank you all for your help with being able to afford getting me the help I need to live a successful life. My mommy and Daddy couldn’t do it with out you.
So far we have been able to go 5 times to Cincinnati off everyone’s generous donations and fundraising money. We thank you for this. it gets expensive having to travel every 3 months.
100% of the funds donated will go directly to expenses to travel to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. You can send donations to:
Make checks payable to Morgun Brandon
Tri Counties Bank
2400 Sandcreek Road
Brentwood Ca, 94513
Acct# put on check 3700-18170
Any questions or if you would like to help create a fundraiser email at [email protected]
For more information about EE, please visit www.curedfoundation.org
1 comment
Wow. Poor kid.
Comments are closed.