The BAMain23 Memorial Fund was established in 2018 to honor of our son, brother, and friend, Brandon Alexander Main (forever age 23).  Brandon was stricken with Transverse Myelitis in December of 2016 and became a quadriplegic overnight.  This story is not as rare as you might imagine.  We learned how quickly life can change and the unfortunate costs involved when someone is suddenly disabled.  The support of our community kept us going and allowed us to make the necessary home modifications needed to allow Brandon to live at home, versus a long-term care facility.  It also helped us find caregivers and keep him active in wheelchair rugby and fitness programs.

Unfortunately, Brandon passed away in February of 2018. We want the world to remember him for the smart, kind, silly, hard-working young man he was.  He had a smile that would light up a room and a silly sense of humor that we miss each day.  Brandon was an Eagle Scout and loved the outdoors (camping, skiing, boating, you name it!)  Brandon graduated with a degree in Biology from the University of Arkansas in 2016 and had plans of working in the medical community. He dreamed of backpacking through Europe and spending days at Walt Disney World (one of his favorite places).

Through our journey, we learned about the struggles of spinal cord injuries and through Brandon’s memory, we want to make the world a better place.  Especially for those with disabilities.

Our mission is to pay it forward and help families on this path by offering grants for the following needs:

• Home modification grants toward building an entry ramp ($1k) or an accessible bathroom ($3k)
• Shower Chairs and portable ramps (not covered by medical insurance)
• Technology needs to improve quality of life (Amazon Alexa, Wi-Fi Lightbulbs/switches/door locks, etc.)
• Long-term patient & family gift baskets (including restaurant gift cards, parking passes, snacks, etc.)
• ICU waiting room food delivery on holidays

Initially, these grants are only available for individuals from: the St. Louis, Missouri Metropolitan area (apply HERE) or students at the University of Arkansas (apply HERE).

Spinal cord injuries can be caused by a virus (as in Brandon’s case), car or motorcycle accidents, and diving or gymnastic accidents to name a few. Sometimes, recovery occurs, however more often than not, the patient regains little functionality.  The paralysis results in loss of movement, sensation, bowel & bladder control, uncontrollable muscle spasms, and pain.

People ask what the tagline means:

Breathe – Brandon was on a ventilator and had to learn to breathe again. So did we when we lost him.

Be Brave – Brandon and our family had to be brave to face this new reality.

Do Good – Brandon’s dream was to help as many people as possible.  Since his passing, this has become my purpose.

Random Acts of Kindness for BAMain23 Facebook group –  https://m.facebook.com/groups/1887790004611526

Our first annual event is scheduled for Saturday, February 9, 2019, at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Town & Country, Missouri.  Please email [email protected] for additional information.