As Brayden’s family, we are blessed to be able to share his story and enable children to enjoy and love sports as he did. Those who knew Brayden describe him as a child full of life. He loved every sport. His favorites were baseball, basketball, and football. He was a well-rounded child who loved to read the Bible, play sports, fish, and camp. He was an encourager to those around him. His famous words were, 'You got this!'
Brayden was a healthy eight-year-old. He was rarely sick other than an occasional stomach bug or cold. He broke his arm at a playground the week before his football playoff game, but he still wanted to support his team so he became the water boy/coach Philyaw. He attended every practice. During practice, he was a motivator and helped the coaches place the ball after the plays. He was excited to be part of the playoff game as the water boy.
We went to Blue Ridge the Friday before the game to spend some time together. We went to get hamburgers and see a drive-in movie with Honey (Holly). We stayed at a hotel that night in Blue Ridge so we could be closer to the game. That morning we got up and ate breakfast just like it was a 'normal' day. Brayden and Bryson helped me carry the bleacher chairs and blankets to the stands, and Brayden went down to help with his team. I watched as he celebrated a good play with teammates. Right before halftime, I noticed him sitting on the bench beside the field with his head down. I saw his brother, Bryson, go check on him. After a while, Brayden turned around and found me in the crowd. I knew something wasn’t right, so I went down to check on him. He said his head hurt. We made it to the top of the bleachers then his belly started hurting. We thought it was just a stomach bug because a teammate had it the week before.
When he stopped responding to questions, we called 911 and he was transported to Fannin Regional Hospital and then flown to TC Thompson Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. It was confirmed that he had a brain AVM (arteriovenous malformation). He most likely had this condition since birth. He underwent emergency brain surgery that evening and was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit of the hospital. Brayden continued to show signs of improvement until the following Friday morning when he began neuro-storming and his vital signs became very unstable.
On Sunday, November 10th, it was determined, after numerous tests, that Brayden had no brain activity. Brayden’s organs were donated, so that many others could live. This is not the outcome we were expecting. We are thankful for the eight years that God blessed us with our 'Miracle baby,' but we deeply miss Brayden each and every day.
During our hospital stay, a GoFundMe Account was started by a beloved friend. After doctor bills and funeral expenses were paid, we wanted to use the money to help others. What better way than to help children play sports since sports were such an important part of Brayden’s life! The Brayden Philyaw Memorial Fund provides sports registration fees to children, who without financial assistance would be unable to participate in sports programs. We help families with multiple children playing sports, single parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, and families going through financial hardships or loss. Our goal is to help families get to a place where assistance is no longer needed.
