BRANDON

Brandon Michael Ballard was born November 18, 1989.  Growing up he spent his time playing sports, hanging out with friends, and bugging his little sister just like any normal kid.  It was during his Junior year of high school he was diagonsed with Testicular Cancer.  During this battle with cancer he always had a positive attitude and vowed this was only one little obstacle he would have during his life.  While getting treatment he continued to be involved in extra-curricular activities at Rockridge High School.  Of these activities his true love was basketball.  Although he was getting intensive chemotherapy treatments he only missed 3 ​basketball games the entire season. Brandon Ballard was a part of the 2008 Rockridge High School graduating class. 

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Unfortunately, November 29, 2008 surrounded by his friends and family Brandon lost his fight with Testicular Cancer.  Although Brandon is gone, he will never be forgotten as we all say FOREVER44!  With the help of his family and friends his voice still lives on.  We have created Brandon M. Ballard Foundation in order to spread Testicular Cancer awareness.  Over the past four years the Brandon M. Ballard Foundation has done an annual Brandon's run, spaghetti dinner, and local high school scholarship in Brandon's name, and passed "Brandon's Law" (A law in the State of Illinois mandating sports physicals to require a testicular exam and health classes to include a section on cancer education and how to talk to family and health professionals.).  With the help of the community we look forward to continuing our mission of spreading cancer awareness.