The brave soul and unique life of young Brandon Carrington Lee is nothing short of inspiring. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, at the age of 12, Brandon’s spirit, faith, and gusto for life persevered through two years of treatment until he passed away in 2003.
Brandon’s parents had no idea what their family would soon face when they brought their son into MedStar Washington Hospital Center for a hurt knee. X-rays led to bone biopsies which revealed Brandon’s underlying health issue.
Brandon was referred to Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, where he received tremendous support from his family, pediatric physicians, and caregivers. Throughout his cancer treatment, he remained an honor student, athlete, and devout Christian.
He was never left alone during his treatments. Brandon’s parents were always there to talk with him in the middle of the night, or provide him back rubs and encouragement. During their time at MedStar Georgetown they noticed not all of the children received the same familial support.
In celebration and gratitude of their son’s life, Jefferi and Tina Lee established the Brandon Carrington Lee Foundation, which focuses on providing an extra level of comfort for pediatric patients. This investment created the Brandon Carrington Lee Pediatric Palliative Care Grand Rounds Lectureship and supported the Happily Hungry nutrition program.