When Braden West was born, doctors delivered heartbreaking news to his parents: their son wouldn’t survive.
Braden was born with a rare, life-threatening condition – Pfeiffer syndrome Type 2 – which leads to skull malformations and an underdeveloped brain. Despite these severe challenges, Braden’s life became a series of miracles. Now, at 22, he is proudly living his life and working as a firefighter.
His mother, Cheri, sensed something was wrong early on. She was informed of Braden’s condition just two weeks before his birth.
“He was kicking in my belly, and I was praying for God to take him home,” Cheri shared in a 2020 interview with News Nation Now, reflecting on those difficult moments.
“It seemed like he wouldn’t have the back of his head, and it appeared he might be born with teeth. It was a terrifying situation,” Cheri recalled.
However, when Braden was born, Cheri instantly formed a deep bond with her extraordinary son. Despite the overwhelming uncertainty, their connection was immediate and profound.
Unfortunately, Cheri also felt helpless, believing there was little she could do to save her baby boy. Many children with Braden’s condition don’t survive past birth, and doctors told Cheri that Braden likely wouldn’t live past 18 months.
“I prayed to God, just asking to have him for a little while longer,” Cheri shared.
She reflected on a photo taken shortly after Braden’s birth, highlighting the distinct clover-shaped skull.
“At just a month old, they let us bring him home. He wasn’t thriving, and the doctors knew he wouldn’t make it. We brought him home to meet everyone so he wouldn’t pass away in a hospital,” Cheri said to “The Owensboro Times”.
However, from the moment of his birth, Braden began defying all expectations. With the unwavering support of his family, the little boy began to show signs of improvement.
“He underwent over 30 surgeries, had a tracheotomy at just 3 months old, and once went through a procedure with only a 10% survival rate,” Cheri explained. “We had to sign the DNR papers, say our goodbyes… then, unexpectedly, the doctors came out and told us he was okay.”
In addition to his family’s love, Braden formed a strong bond with registered nurse Michele Eddings Linn.
During his early years, Braden’s health began to decline, leaving his future uncertain.
“Anything a mother doesn’t want to hear is what they told us. It’s incredible what faith in God can help you overcome. Everyone who knew us or knew of us was praying for us,” Cheri shared.
Michele, who had been by Braden’s side through so much, recalled the night Braden nearly lost his life. “I remember praying, ‘Lord, just either take him home or make him better,’” she said. “Because no one could bear to watch him suffer any longer.”
Linn shared that when baby Braden survived that night, he became the first patient she had ever seen leave hospice care. The bond they formed over the years grew so strong that Braden later asked Michele, whom he lovingly refers to as his “angel,” to take his senior photos.
“Seventeen years ago, I cried because I thought his time on Earth was coming to an end, and now I’m crying because he’s graduating high school, and his life is just beginning!” Linn wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post.
“To watch him grow into this incredible young man has been emotional, but I’m so proud,” Braden’s mom Cheri shared with “The Epoch Times”.
“As I watched him walk across the stage, every emotion from his first few months came rushing back. I kept thinking, he wasn’t supposed to be doing this. He wasn’t supposed to be able to hold a pencil, speak, see, or hear… and here we are.”
To honor this amazing milestone, his parents arranged for Braden to be flown into the middle of a live concert featuring one of his favorite musicians, country singer Cam Thompson, via helicopter.
Braden described his graduation day as “perfect.”
“17 years ago, I was this boy’s hospice nurse, and today, I just finished editing his senior pictures!! What a blessing…”
“I feel pretty good knowing I worked so hard to get to this day because it wasn’t always easy,” Braden said.
Braden, who used a walker until he was five and eventually learned to walk on his own with extensive therapy, is now proudly serving as a member of the Civil Air Patrol unit in Owensboro, Kentucky.
He’s living his dream of becoming a firefighter and has recently joined the Moseleyville Fire Department as a volunteer.
Cheri, his mom, says Braden’s journey serves as a powerful reminder to those facing immense challenges:
“It’s official! Don’t ever give up… No matter how hard the mountain is to climb, keep climbing because the view at the top is amazing!”
