Braylie's laughter could light up a room. When she was a toddler, her family started to notice something was wrong. She went to Riley and was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma. After a long treatment period of chemotherapy and radiation, she went into remission and was cancer free. Years later, after joining the JV basketball team in high school, she started noticing pain in her hip. She went back to Riley and was diagnosed with cancer a second time, this time with Osteosarcoma. Braylie never gave up hope and her bravery and determination will be remembered in the stories we will share. Her legacy will live on forever. #BraylieStrong
Tyler Trent battled three rounds of the rare bone cancer osteosarcoma. Tyler was first diagnosed in 2014. After removing the tumor and going through chemotherapy, Tyler was said to be free of his cancer. In 2017, the cancer had returned. This did not stop Tyler from attending Purdue that fall. Tyler went through surgery and numerous rounds of chemotherapy. In March of 2018, Tyler’s cancer had returned for a third time. This did not discourage him. Instead, Tyler used his cancer as a platform to inspire others to continue to fight. Tyler fought through the cancer, and inspired various individuals, teams, and organizations. Tyler has left an impact on a large number of people. His legacy will live on forever. #TylerStrong
John Romine
John was a freshman at Purdue when he found out he had Hodgkin's lymphoma. For three years after his diagnosis, John was treated at Riley Hospital for Children. John was a member of Farmhouse fraternity while at Purdue. Through his treatment, his group of brothers stood by him and helped him along the way. After his passing, the brothers of Farmhouse fraternity continue to honor him by shaving their heads at PUDM as well as helping register people for Be The Match. Today, PUDM and Farmhouse continue to honor John and his time at Purdue for being an incredible role model and inspiration to everyone.
Ben Harmon
Ben Harmon, a track star from Avon High school, battled Ewing’s Sarcoma for a portion of his life. Ewing’s Sarcoma is a fast-acting form of cancer which caused pain in his hip and leg. He chose not to let this get to him, and instead he fought it with bravery and courage. Ben was a fighter. In the fall of 2017, Ben made it to Purdue where he joined Sigma Chi Fraternity. Ben’s courage and determination sparked hope in those around him. He inspired friends and family to stand with him in this fight. Throughout his chemotherapy and time at Purdue, Ben had an army of supporters. #HarmonStrong and forever in our hearts.
David Feltner
In 2007, David Feltner was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma which is a type of soft-tissue cancer. David battled through four relapses while he was a student at Purdue. As a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, David had the support of all of his brothers. David knew that chemotherapy would cause him to lose his hair, and he asked his brothers to help him shave his head. To show their support, the brothers of Phi Kappa Phi shaved their heads as well. David never lost his spirit, and he has inspired us all to do great things. Each year, PUDM and Pi Kappa Phi honor David by sharing his story and showing others what tremendous character he had.