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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
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 1:30 PM CDT Everyone is doing well in our family. Thank you for stopping by to check on us and offer your support.
It's very hard to believe that it has been THREE years since Brant left us. There's still so many things that are so hard to do... places we go, people we see that bring back memories of what a happy little boy Brant was. He was such a gift to us for the time he was with us and we will never forget the things he taught us.
Here's a song that I heard for the first time in a while this weekend (Extreme Home Makeover). It was a song that we played at Brant's funeral and it will always remind me of him.
Mark Schultz - He's My Son (click to watch video)
I'm down on my knees again tonight
I'm hoping this prayer will turn out right
See there is a boy that needs your help
I've done all that i can do myself
His mother is tired
I'm sure you can understand
Each night as he sleeps
She goes in to hold his hand
And she tries not to cry
As the tears fill up her eyes
Chorus~
Can you hear me?
Am I getting through tonight?
Can you see him?
Can you make him feel all right?
If you can hear me
Let me take his place somehow
See he's not just anyone
He's my son
Sometimes late at night I watch him sleep
I dream of the boy he'd like to be
I try to be strong and see him through
But God who he needs right now is You
Let him grow old
Live life without this fear
What would I be
Living without him here
He's so tired and he's scared
Let him know that You're there
Can you hear me?
Am I getting through tonight?
Can you see him?
Can you make him feel all right?
If you can hear me
Let me take his place somehow
See he's not just anyone
He's my son
Can you hear me?
Can you see him?
Please don't leave him
He's my son
Please keep the families of those children that have gone before us in your prayers today.
Craig, Julie, Bradley, Braydon, Brodie (and always in spirit our Super Brant)
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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