Support Brandon's Final Journey Home

Hello, my name is Nikki & Darrel (BONES) Cross, and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart to ask for your help. My son, Brandon Bruce Lee Cross, passed away unexpectedly last week. Brandon was a true miracle from the very beginning. Even before he was born, we knew he would be a special baby with unique needs, so I gave him a special name — one filled with strength and meaning.

Brandon’s life wasn’t easy, but he was a warrior from day one. My wife Nikki, his loving mom, contracted a rare virus during pregnancy called LCMV (lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus). This virus caused severe health issues for Brandon, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, blindness, brittle bones, and calcium deposits in his brain. Despite the doctor’s predictions that he wouldn’t live past a few months, Brandon continued to beat the odds — year after year. He was a fighter with an incredible spirit who inspired everyone who knew him. He was deeply loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Brandon’s joy for life shone through in so many ways. He absolutely loved listening to Johnny Cash, singing along with all his heart. He also adored balloons; he would shake them and laugh, fascinated by the sounds and vibrations. We have countless memories of washing balloon colors off his face because he loved to press his face against them and make joyful noises. Most recently, his favorite movie was Moana. The moment the first beat played, his face would light up, and he’d sing along with so much excitement.

For the first two years, Nikki and I cared for him ourselves. Then, his grandma (Nan) stepped in and became his primary caregiver. She loved him fiercely and took care of him until she passed away in 2014. After that, our whole family stepped in — me, Nikki, our youngest son LD, and our adopted son Cody — to care for Brandon as best we could. It truly took a village, and our lives revolved around Brandon. He was the heart of our family, and his brothers loved him dearly. Whenever Cody would leave, Brandon would holler for him, and if he realized Cody was gone, he’d get a bit testy. Their bond was unbreakable, and the time they shared was precious.

We were prepared for many things, but we were not prepared for this. When Brandon turned 26, our life insurance policy ended without our knowledge, and I wasn’t notified. I only found out now, after his passing, and it has devastated us to realize we don’t have the coverage we thought we had. I’ve never been one to ask for help, but now I am — because this is something I simply cannot handle alone.

All funds raised will go towards Brandon’s cremation, a beautiful urn, a plaque, and eventually placing him between his Nan and Grandpa at the Prineville Cemetery. We plan to bring him home for a while before his final resting place, where he can be surrounded by family once again.

Brandon was the center of our village, and his loss has left a void we can hardly put into words. His infectious smile lit up every room, and he had a way of making everyone smile with him. We’d also like to express our deepest gratitude to our community, friends, and family who have supported us throughout this 26-year journey. Brandon touched the hearts of so many — from the nurses who cared for him to the doctors who were baffled by his strength and spirit as he lived twice as long as anyone expected.

If you’re able to contribute, it would mean the world to us. If you’re not in a position to help financially, please consider sharing this fundraiser or keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers. The costs for a funeral and burial are overwhelming, but we want to give Brandon the goodbye he deserves. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any support you can provide.

With gratitude,

Nikki & Darrel (BONES) Cross