Branson’s mom Nichole has offered up an amazing essay on how the family wound up in Rome.

Here are some portions of that post:

“So many people have asked why we came all the way to Rome… why we left our home, our family, our other children, our jobs, and everything familiar behind. The truth is, this wasn’t a choice made out of adventure or curiosity. It was made out of desperation because our son’s life depended on it.

This is our story.

“Branson was first diagnosed in August 2024 with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (gamma delta), a very rare and aggressive form of childhood blood cancer. We immediately began treatment at home in Mobile, Alabama, trusting the doctors and following every standard protocol available in the United States. He endured months of intense chemotherapy, spinal taps, transfusions, and medications. We held onto hope, believing we were moving toward healing.

“But leukemia can be ruthless. In January 2025, just months into treatment, Branson relapsed. His cancer came back stronger, more aggressive, and more resistant than before. Once a child relapses, the battle becomes infinitely harder. We transferred his care to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, one of the most renowned cancer hospitals in the world.

“There, Branson underwent even more aggressive therapy in a desperate attempt to reach remission again. But after exhausting every available protocol, we were told the words no parent should ever have to hear: “There’s nothing more we can do and if the disease itself doesn’t kill him, the treatment will.”

“Every door closed. Every option ended. The therapies that might save him simply did not exist for him in our country.

“That realization broke us. It is devastating and unacceptable that in a nation as advanced and wealthy as ours, children are still dying because of a lack of research, funding, and access. In the United States, only 4% of federal cancer research funding goes toward childhood cancers. Four percent. That is a crying shame. Our babies deserve more than leftover crumbs.

“We refused to give up. Through endless research, networking, and prayer, we found Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital in Rome, Italy, one of the leading hospitals in the world for children with relapsed and treatment-resistant leukemia. They offered what they called a “compassionate therapy”

…an experimental CAR-T cell treatment using my own cells, designed specifically for children like Branson when nothing else works.

“We had no time to think or plan. Branson’s condition was deteriorating fast. He was slipping away before our eyes. We nearly lost him multiple times. We packed our lives into suitcases and boarded a plane across the world, clinging to hope that we could reach Rome in time to save him.

“By the grace of God, we made it. But when we arrived, things were worse than anyone expected. Branson’s leukemia had completely overtaken his body, 99% of his peripheral blood was cancer blasts. The doctors told us they had never seen a child so infiltrated with leukemia.

“Just days after arriving, we were called into the head doctor’s office. I will never forget that moment for as long as I live. He looked us in the eyes and told us to take Branson home, to let him live out his final days in peace. He said there was nothing in this world that could save him and doubted we could even get him back to America alive.

“But God.

“Even when the doctors said there was no hope, we knew his story wasn’t over. They agreed to try the compassionate therapy, a last ditch effort they warned likely wouldn’t work. But we believed God led us there for a reason.

“Miraculously, Branson’s body began to respond. Against all odds, on July 22, 2025, he reached remission… a day we will never, ever forget.

“Then, on August 30, 2025, he received a bone marrow transplant, also from my cells, to help rebuild his immune system and give him the best chance at long-term survival.

“This journey has been brutal and agonizing beyond comprehension. Branson has endured more pain, fear, and suffering than most adults ever will in their lifetime. We’ve watched him fight for every breath, battle countless complications, and walk through a valley that no child should ever know.

“Yet, he is still here with us. He is living proof of faith, science, and God’s mercy working hand in hand.

“We came to Rome because time was running out and because this was the ONLY place in the world offering hope when the rest of the world said there was none.

“And by the grace of God, we made it just in time.

“Branson’s story is far from over, but it’s a miracle already and one that reminds us that even when the world says it is impossible, God whispers, ‘Watch Me’.

“Branson is a living, breathing, walking MIRACLE

Wow!

What an amazing testimony and resilient journey- and there’s more to this essay.

Remember- the family’s official Facebook page is the Branson’s Brave Battle group page- it’s where you can read Nichole’s complete essay.

I know you will send your best to the entire family as Branson continues to fight.