For Brandon, movement has always been a natural part of life. Growing up, he gravitated toward sport and physical challenges, finding joy in competition, adventure, and the freedom that comes from being active. 

Football, MMA fighting, triathlons, wakeboarding, and golf were all part of his world. Whether pushing through a demanding workout or spending time outdoors with friends, sport was more than a hobby. It was a core part of his identity. 

But in 2012, a routine day at work changed everything. 

While performing a solar panel installation, Brandon noticed a dangerous situation unfolding. Acting quickly, he attempted to prevent a coworker from suffering a fatal fall. In the process, Brandon sustained severe injuries, including multiple broken bones and crushed joints in his lower legs. 

What began as a heroic effort to protect someone else quickly turned into a life-altering medical battle. 

Despite multiple procedures and extensive medical care, complications continued to develop. Doctors ultimately determined that the best way to stop the spread of infection was to amputate Brandon’s right leg below the knee. 

It was an incredibly difficult decision. 

Facing such a major change can bring uncertainty, fear, and countless questions about the future. For Brandon, the road ahead was unknown. 

But he was not navigating it alone. 

A Powerful Source of Inspiration 

Seven years earlier, Brandon’s sister Tara had experienced a traumatic accident that resulted in the loss of her leg. In the years that followed, she rebuilt her life and remained active, demonstrating that a fulfilling and adventurous future was still possible. 

Watching Tara move forward with strength and determination helped Brandon see what could still lie ahead for him. 

Her example offered reassurance during one of the most challenging moments of his life. 

If she could rebuild and thrive, maybe he could too. 

That perspective became a turning point in Brandon’s recovery. 

Instead of focusing only on what had changed, he began focusing on what was still possible. 

Returning to the Sports He Loves 

Over time, Brandon began reconnecting with the activities that had always brought him energy and joy. Being active once again helped restore confidence and reminded him that sport was still very much a part of his life. 

Today, Brandon enjoys many of the same activities that defined his life before his injury. Wakeboarding, cycling, hiking, and golf have once again become ways for him to challenge himself, spend time outdoors, and stay connected to a community built around movement. 

Each step forward has reinforced an important truth: access to sport can play a powerful role in rebuilding confidence, independence, and purpose. 

Support from the Challenged Athletes Foundation 

Through the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), Brandon received a grant for a running foot in 2013. Adaptive sports equipment can be costly, often placing it out of reach for many athletes with physical disabilities. CAF grants help remove those barriers, opening the door for athletes to pursue the sports and goals that matter most to them. 

For Brandon, that support created a new opportunity. 

With his running prosthetic, he set his sights on an incredible challenge: participating in the Empire State Building Run-Up alongside his sister Tara. 

The iconic event challenges athletes to climb 86 floors of stairs inside one of the world’s most recognizable buildings. Taking on that challenge together represented far more than a race. It symbolized resilience, family, and the shared belief that life after injury can still be filled with purpose, movement, and achievement. 

Moving Forward 

Brandon’s journey is a reminder that life can change in an instant. Yet with support, determination, and access to opportunity, athletes can continue pursuing the activities that bring meaning and connection. 

Through CAF grants, mentorship, and community, athletes with physical disabilities are able to return to sport, explore new possibilities, and redefine what their futures can look like. 

Every grant helps create access.
Every opportunity opens a new door. 

Together, we move.