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Brant Hamilton's Page 
December 13, 1998 - October 29, 2005
Welcome to Brant's Page! Brant Thomas Hamilton was an amazing 6 year old boy that was originally diagnosed with a Posterior Fossa Ependymoma tumor which was almost completely resected during surgery at Mayo in Rochester, MN in October of 2003. He completed a 6 week conformal radiation treatment program in December of 2003.
After one year of clean scans, Brant relapsed on December 13, 2004 (his 6th birthday) with metastasis to his spinal column and brain. Because of the quick spread, his disease that was originally diagnosed WHO Grade II was believed to be the more aggressive Grade III Anaplastic Ependymoma. He had a second surgery to remove the tumor that was causing pain in his thoracic spine. Because of the rapid progression of disease in his lower spine, he received radiation treatments to relieve the pain. In February, Brant underwent stereotactic radiosurgery at the University of Iowa to treat a tumor on the brainstem that was not surgically resectable. Because of previous radiation, this procedure was considered risky, but we believe that without it, he would have not made it to the summer. He returned home to recover and wait for FDA approval for a new study. After waiting nearly two months, we received FDA approval, and he underwent a scan to determine if he had the receptor cell necessary to enter the study. While Brant "technically" qualified for the study, the spread of disease was so aggressive during the two months that doctors told us that the study would likely not help Brant. He received more radiation treatments in August to help control the pain and we turned to Hospice for End of Life care. We enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with vacations and lots of family time together.
Brant's last MRI in September showed very aggressive disease that had taken over his entire central nervous system. Doctors said that we didn't have much time to spend with Brant and there were no treatments that would help.
Brant won his courageous battle with cancer on October 29, 2005, but had to leave his body to do so. He was our gift from God for 6 years, 10 months, and 16 days. We were blessed to have him as our son, and are extremely proud of the courage and determination he displayed during his battle. Words cannot describe how much he will be missed.
In honor of Brant, we have set up a memorial fund that will be used to fulfill his wish of improving the playground at his school. He was always thinking about others and he touched the lives of thousands of people that followed his journey through this website. Thanks for stopping by... The Hamiltons
Craig, Julie, Bradley, Braydon, Brodie and always in spirit, the amazing SUPER BRANT
Our Favorite Links

Collin Volz
Jake Beresh
Josh Larson
Bobby Cash
Brant's Buddies in Heaven - We Love You!
Jace Carrico
Benjamin Jones
Christopher Foppiano
Trent Miner
Tyler DeHeer
 Make-a-Wish Foundation

Brant's Make A Child Smile Page
 Brant's Photo Album
 Godspeed Little Man
Journal
Sunday, August 24, 2008 9:28 PM CDT ** UPDATE Sunday, September 7, 2008 **
I wanted to post a link to some websites. For those that are interested in donating to Brant's Race this year, we have a special link setup through Active.com... http://www.active.com/donate/brantsrace.
If you are able to make it to the race, you can register online by going to www.brantsrace.com and clicking on the active.com link OR printing out the PDF and mailing in your entry.
Thanks to the Heart Connection, we're already way ahead of last years pace as far as registered participants.
** End Update **
Please keep the Carrico family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of their amazing son. Amazing Jace - kind of has a ring doesn't it? It is always a blessing and honor to spend time with this wonderful family. Their faith and hope will carry them through this difficult time, but please keep them in your prayers as they begin the healing process.
We're officially back to school in Earlham. Brodie, Braydon and Dad will all be celebrating birthdays within the next three weeks. Brodie is starting to become quite mobile.
BRANT'S GREAT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL is scheduled for October 11th. This will be the 4th Annual Event and we're looking at a record number of participants. You can get registration information at www.BrantsRace.com.
Thanks for stopping by to check on us!
The Hamiltons
Read Journal History
Links: http://www.amydoerring.com Amy Doerring - Photography http://www.makeachildsmile.org/2005/prev_2005_feb1.shtml Brant's Profile on Make a Child Smile http://lovequilts2005children.homestead.com/BrantH.html Brant's Love Quilt
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