When Braden West was born, doctors told his parents he wouldn’t survive due to Pfeiffer syndrome Type 2, a rare condition causing skull malformations and an underdeveloped brain. Despite this, Braden defied the odds. At 22, he’s now a firefighter and an inspiration.
Cheri, his mother, first learned of his condition two weeks before his birth. “It was a terrifying situation”, she recalled. Upon Braden’s birth, doctors said he likely wouldn’t live past 18 months, but Cheri prayed for more time with him.
Against all expectations, Braden survived over 30 surgeries and defied grim odds, including a procedure with just a 10% survival rate. His health, though uncertain, began to improve, and his bond with his family and caregivers grew stronger.
Braden’s nurse, Michele Eddings Linn, who became like an “angel” to him, recalled how he defied death and left hospice care, marking an extraordinary turning point. Cheri watched her son cross the high school graduation stage, reflecting on how far he’s come, he wasn’t supposed to live this long, let alone thrive.
To celebrate, his parents arranged a helicopter ride to surprise Braden at a concert by his favorite country singer. Now a member of the Civil Air Patrol and a volunteer firefighter, Braden’s story is a testament to perseverance.
Cheri’s message: “No matter how hard the mountain is to climb, keep climbing”.
