Brandi's Story

Brandi was born on 03 August 1981. Despite being full term, she weighed just over two pounds. Her doctor suspected something unusual and knew to “kiss” Brandi. This revealed an unusually salty taste which is an indicator of cystic fibrosis. Despite her diagnosis, Brandi was a fighter. She never let this illness prevent her from loving, laughing or living life to the fullest. Brandi did not view her illness as an excuse to stop, but rather as an opportunity to work harder and enjoy life. Throughout her life, Brandi worked very hard to stay healthy. She spent hours every day doing treatments and therapy and took 35to 45 pills a day. These were her "Good Days". When Brandi was not feeling her normal vibrant self, it usually meant a hospital stay in Atlanta, Georgia. Whether a good day or bad day, Brandi insisted she was fine and continued to live her life to the fullest. Despite CF, Brandi graduated high school, played the piano and violin, was active in her church youth group, was a member of her high school orchestra, attended college and even got married. CF finally caught up with her at the age of 24. After weeks of failed treatments, Brandi answered her call from her Heavenly Father on 27 January 2006.

Understanding the financial constraints of raising a child with a terminal illness, Brandi's family wanted to do something that would help people in similar situations and that would allow Brandi to share her love for life even though now she is in her Heavenly Home. In October of 2006, the Brandi Long Corley Celebration of Life Fund was established at St. Paul's Church. This fund is set up to offer financial assistance to families of children with a critical illness. The monetary donations from this fund are available to midlands families who suffer financially due to a child's illness. Donations are accepted throughout the year at St. Paul's Lutheran Church or at First Community Bank in Gilbert. All donations to the "Celebration of Life" Fund are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible.

To Make Donations:
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
246 St. Paul’s Church Road
Gilbert, SC 29054
Phone (803) 892-2520

or

First Community Bank
4325 Augusta Road
Gilbert, SC 29054
(request deposit to “Celebration of Life” account)

To Submit a Candidate for consideration of Financial Help,
call
Sandra Long (803) 892-3247 or Linda Lybrand (803) 422-1262
 

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