Brendan's Buddies

About Us!

Brendan Staub’s journey began in May 2004, when at just eight years old, he experienced a series of unexplained brain seizures. Months later, doctors discovered a tumor in his right temporal lobe, which required surgical removal. While it was hoped the surgery would stop the seizures, they instead worsened, with Brendan suffering between 50 and 100 seizures daily.
After extensive testing and stroke-like episodes, doctors determined Brendan's white matter had been severely damaged and diagnosed him with a rare white matter disease that spread throughout his brain. This condition brought significant challenges, including memory loss, vision impairment, and legal blindness. Doctors informed his parents that Brendan’s disorder appeared to be unique, with no known cases like his.
Though long-term treatment remained uncertain, doctors implemented an intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) drip to manage his seizures and stroke-like brain activity. While IVIG provided some relief, it came at a staggering cost of $6,000 per infusion after insurance, with Brendan requiring up to four treatments per month. The Staub family also made frequent visits to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, seeking answers and a path forward—all of which placed an immense emotional and financial strain on the family.
In 2005, Brendan's Buddies was founded to alleviate some of this overwhelming burden. The foundation rallied friends and family to support Brendan, showing him he was deeply cared for while also helping to offset the family’s extraordinary medical expenses. Brendan's Buddies quickly became a testament to the strength of community and the power of compassion.

Today, Brendan's Buddies remains dedicated to empowering, supporting, and enriching the lives of children living with developmental disabilities, brain diseases, and visual impairments resulting from brain damage. We strive to provide these children and their families with the resources and support needed to navigate the challenges of neurological disabilities. Through community engagement and advocacy, we aim to raise awareness and foster a more inclusive society where every child and their family has the opportunity to thrive. Our mission is rooted in compassion, helping families overcome the unique struggles they face and ensuring that every child can achieve their fullest potential.