As we’ve shared before, Cleighton’s recovery journey has been a long and difficult one, but we’ve always held onto hope and the strength that he continues to show each day. Cleighton’s resilience has amazed everyone around him, but today, I write with an urgent update that weighs heavily on our hearts.
Earlier today, Cleighton had a follow-up check-up with his team of surgeons, and while we were hopeful for continued progress, the news was far from what we expected. The infection that Cleighton has been battling is deeper than initially realized, and it is now affecting the tissue surrounding his distractor. What we thought was a simple red bump on his skin is actually a sign of the distractor end pushing through the surface, a troubling development that could potentially cause further complications if not addressed immediately.
The surgeons are taking swift action and have started stronger antibiotics through an IV to fight the infection. The goal is to clear it up quickly and prevent any further damage. However, if after a few days of antibiotics the infection does not improve, the decision will be made to remove the distractor entirely. It’s a heartbreaking thought, especially when we’ve worked so hard to get this far in Cleighton’s recovery, but the risks of leaving the infection untreated are too great. If the infection continues to spread, it could become detrimental to Cleighton’s shunt and even affect his brain—something we can’t afford to let happen.
This news has been a major setback for Cleighton and his family. After everything he’s already been through, we never imagined we would be back in this position so soon. We thought we were past the worst of it, but as we’ve learned all too well, recovery is never a straight path. It’s full of unexpected twists, ups, and downs, and sometimes it feels like the battle is never over. But Cleighton has proven time and time again that he is a fighter. His determination and the love of his family, friends, and community have carried him through the toughest moments, and we are praying with everything we have that this is just another hurdle he will overcome.
In the coming days, we are hoping the antibiotics will do their job and the infection will begin to clear up. The medical team is closely monitoring his condition and making sure that every precaution is taken to prevent the infection from spreading further. While the fear of the infection affecting his shunt and brain looms large, we are staying strong and doing everything in our power to ensure Cleighton’s safety and well-being.
As we wait, we ask for your continued prayers and support. We know the power of prayer and how much it has meant to Cleighton and our family in this journey. Every prayer, every message, every thought of strength sent our way is a reminder of the incredible support system that surrounds us. We are beyond grateful for the love you’ve all shown, and we know that together, we can face this challenge as we have faced all the others—head-on and with hope.
The road ahead is uncertain, but Cleighton’s strength continues to inspire us all. He has already defied the odds in so many ways, and we believe he will continue to do so. We trust in the medical team’s expertise, in the power of prayer, and in Cleighton’s unbreakable spirit.
Please keep Cleighton in your thoughts and prayers over the next few days. Pray that the antibiotics work and that the infection is cleared up, and that we can avoid further complications. Pray for his healing, for his body to stay strong, and for his family to have the strength to face whatever comes next. And most of all, pray that Cleighton continues to find the strength within himself to keep fighting.
We’ll keep you all updated as we navigate through this next chapter of Cleighton’s recovery. Your love and support mean the world to us, and together, we will continue to push forward, one step at a time.
Thank you for being with us on this journey. We are stronger together. 💙
Remembering Branson Blevins: A Story of Love, Courage, and the Enduring Power of Memory.159
As you can imagine, I receive countless messages here on Facebook every day. Each one matters to me—every note of encouragement, every story shared, every prayer requested. This page wouldn’t be the special community it is without the love, support, and engagement of all of you. But if I’m honest, there’s one name I hear more than any other, a name that brings a mix of admiration, sorrow, and reflection: Branson Blevins.
Branson was more than just a name or a story; he was a bright, courageous young boy who captured hearts in every community he touched. Sadly, he went to Heaven over six weeks ago after a courageous and heartbreaking battle with an adenovirus that followed a bone marrow transplant in Italy. His passing left a void that is deeply felt, not just by his family, but by everyone who followed his journey, prayed for him, and drew inspiration from his incredible spirit.
Before this last, devastating illness appeared, Branson had already fought and beaten Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia—a formidable opponent on its own. His battle with leukemia was long and challenging, but Branson faced it with courage beyond his years. Every hospital stay, every treatment, every moment of pain, he met with bravery and resilience that left those around him in awe. His story became a beacon of hope for so many families facing similar struggles, showing that even in the darkest moments, the light of perseverance and love can shine through.
Then came the adenovirus, an unexpected and cruel twist in his journey. Despite the advanced medical care in Italy and the relentless support of his family, Branson’s tiny body could not overcome this new obstacle. Yet even in the face of this new challenge, Branson’s courage never wavered. He remained the same bright soul who laughed, loved, and inspired everyone around him.
As Christmas approaches—a time when family, friends, and communities come together in celebration and reflection—many of you have reached out to ask how you can support Branson’s family. Donald and Nichole Blevins, Branson’s loving parents, have been navigating an unimaginable grief. Their lives, and those of their children Maddox and Maggie, have been forever changed. Yet through it all, they have shown remarkable strength, grace, and faith.
Donald and Nichole welcome correspondence and messages of love, encouragement, and support from everyone who wishes to honor Branson’s memory and comfort their family during this difficult season. You can send cards, letters, or notes to the following address:
The Blevins Family
P.O. Box 19
Silverhill, AL 36576
Even small gestures—a handwritten note, a memory shared, a simple “thinking of you”—can bring comfort and remind the Blevins family that Branson’s story continues to inspire others, even in his absence. Your words let them know that they are not alone, that a community of friends, neighbors, and well-wishers stands with them, holding them up with love and prayer.
Donald and Nichole are now back in Robertsdale, Alabama, slowly trying to find a way to navigate this “new normal” without Branson. Every day is a journey—one that is marked by loss, longing, and the desire to honor the life of their precious boy. It is a journey that requires patience, love, and the support of those around them. And this is where we, as a community, can step in. We can remind the Blevins family that Branson is not forgotten, that his courage and joy continue to ripple through the lives he touched.
Maddox and Maggie, Branson’s siblings, are learning to live with a new reality, one that includes fond memories of a brother who loved fiercely, laughed often, and showed them what it means to face challenges with grace. They, too, need our support, our encouragement, and our recognition that while Branson may no longer be physically present, his spirit lives on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
As we remember Branson during this holiday season, it’s worth reflecting on the lessons he taught us in his too-short life. He taught us about resilience, about hope in the face of insurmountable odds, and about the power of family and community. Branson showed us that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the determination to keep moving forward even when the path is dark. He reminded us to cherish every laugh, every hug, every small moment, because life—especially a life as fragile and precious as his—is never guaranteed.
While words can never fully capture the depth of the grief the Blevins family carries, nor the magnitude of the loss, they can convey love, solidarity, and remembrance. Each card sent, each note written, each prayer offered, becomes a thread in the tapestry of support that holds this family together. In the midst of sorrow, these gestures serve as reminders that even in loss, love endures.
This holiday season, I encourage everyone who reads this to reach out to the Blevins family if they feel called to do so. Share a memory of Branson, offer a word of encouragement, or simply let them know that they are in your thoughts. Small acts of kindness have the power to lift hearts, to provide comfort, and to remind us all of the enduring impact one extraordinary young life can have on so many.
Branson Blevins will never be forgotten. His fight, his courage, his laughter, and his love continue to inspire all of us. Donald and Nichole, along with Maddox and Maggie, carry forward his memory every day, and your support can help them find light amidst their grief.
As we send cards, letters, prayers, and love their way, let us remember the bravery of a boy who taught us so much in the time he was here. Let us honor Branson by living with courage, by loving deeply, and by holding tight to those who matter most. And let us remind the Blevins family that they are not walking this path alone—an entire community stands with them, united in prayer, support, and remembrance.
To send your correspondence and messages of love, here is the address once again:
The Blevins Family
P.O. Box 19
Silverhill, AL 36576
May your cards, letters, and prayers provide comfort and strength to Donald, Nichole, Maddox, Maggie, and everyone who loved Branson. May they feel the love and support of a community that refuses to forget him. And may Branson’s memory continue to shine as a beacon of hope, courage, and inspiration for all who knew him—or who have only just heard his story.
Pictures courtesy of Nichole Blevins
