April 27^th marks the 10th anniversary of my son 
Branden Braddock’s death.  Each year on this day I ask family and friends to participate in a random act of kindness in his memory.  Branden was a very kind hearted young man and to try and honor his life I find that doing something nice for someone helps keep the day, a day of love instead of sadness.  Examples of random acts of kindness are: paying for the person behind you in a drive thru meal, purchasing a gift card and leaving it with the cashier at any business to pay for someone’s purchase, picking up the check of a mother and son who are having dinner, sending flowers to a special person.  Of course not all acts of kindness have to involve money.  Make sure that you tell the people who you love how important they are to you, help someone load their groceries in their car or leave a note for someone recognizing and appreciating their work, help someone with their work day or chores.  Leave your kindness card to the recipient and hopefully the kindness will continue and the day will be filled of good memories and intentions. These are only examples and if you chose to participate in this beautiful way to honor my sons life and the love we shared then please be creative and share your experiences on Branden’s website, www.branden-braddock.memory-of.com   To learn more about the Random Acts of Kindness, grief or to make a donation please visit www.missfoundation.org

Thank you,

Michele Newton, Branden's Mom

JulY 27, 2012 has been designated by the MISS Foundation as International Random Act of Kindness Day. All day around the world Random Acts of Kindness will be conducted in memory of our children gone too soon.

My son Branden Braddock passed away 10 years from a skateboard injury. The last thing Branden had before he died was the frozen slushy drinks that he loved so much.

In his memory I have partnered with Circle K to provide FREE drinks to anyone who comes to the new Circle K located at 8277 W Olive Ave Peoria AZ. I am collecting donations from family and friends to purchase the drinks. Circle K has committed to matching my donation!! So a $20 bill will purchase 46 drinks to be given away in honor of Branden. A kindness card will be given out with each drink given away and a banner will be hanging in the store with Branden's name birth and death dates along with the message "Be Safe Be Cool Always Wear your Helmet"

I am so blessed and honored to be Branden's mom and partnered with the MISS Foundation and Circle K to honor my son with one of his favorite and his last drinks.

If you would like to make a donation you can mail the donation to Michele Newton 3833 N 30th st Unit 240 Phoenix AZ 85016. Donations will need to be received by JulY 26, 2012 

And if you can please go to the Circle K location and obtain your "Drink from Branden" and be blessed by receiving a Random Act of Kindness in his memory.

LAST YEAR 867 DRINKS WERE GIVEN AWAY IN MEMORY OF BRANDEN.  THANK YOU ALL WHO DONATED.  LETS DO IT AGAIN THIS YEAR.  THANK YOU!
Loving you "High as the sky and deep as the sea and all the way to infinity always and forever Branden
In your memory MOM

On the Sunday morning of April 22 2002 Branden and I enjoyed one of our special breakfasts out alone while my older daughters slept in. Branden had broken his skateboard earlier and was living without it with no complaint. I knew Branden missed his skateboard but as a single mom Branden didn’t complain because of the expense. I surprised him with a trip to the skateboard store after our breakfast. Branden was able to pick out any skateboard he wanted. I spared no expense except when it came to the helmet. I knew he needed one but was sure he would be ok and when I had more money later then I would get the helmet. April 23rd Monday- I came home from work and Branden had all his chores and homework done and begged to go hang out with his friends. They were just going to meet at the picnic area and hang out. What harm was there in that? I allowed him to go and thought I would go by and visit one of my friends. As soon as I arrived at my friend’s home I received a call that Branden had hit his head and I should take him to the hospital. My daughter drove Branden there and I met them. Branden appeared to be ok. But the CAT scan would come back that there was a hemorrhage. An artery was bleeding in Branden’s brain a bleeder they called it. Branden was flown by helicopter to the hospital and was being prepared for brain surgery. A last minute decision was that maybe the bleeder had stopped bleeding. The doctors decided to keep an eye on it. Branden was in ICU for a day and half before being transferred to a regular room. All seemed to be going good and Branden according to the doctors was doing well. After less than three days in the hospital Branden was discharged. I felt so lucky and relieved to have Branden home. That was a close call. The next day I was going to take Branden to the helmet store for sure!! About midnight I told Branden how happy I was that I got to bring him home from the hospital. We said our special love you before he went to bed. “I love you high as the sky and deep as the sea and all the way to infinity.” Branden had only been in bed a few minutes when he screamed “Mom my head hurts!” I asked him what I needed to do. He replied to get him to the hospital now. Those were our last words to each other. After brain surgery was complete it was too late. Twelve hours after those dreaded words I had to make the most horrifying decision to take my son who I loved so so much off of life support. Branden passed away on April 27 2002 at the age of 15. Why do children need to wear helmets? Because of my son Branden Braddock who I love and miss every single day.


Branden’s Mom

Michele Newton

623-329-2970

www.branden-braddock.memory-of.com

Branden
2/28/87-4/27/02

For the past 4 years I have been organizing an event called Santa's Workshop in memory of Branden and the love for all my children.  Santa's Workshop receives donations of new or near new items ( clothing, toys, giftable items of any sort).  I find an empty store location and set it up like a thrift store.  Low income families are then able to shop for immediate family members of all ages.  Immediate family members are children, spouses, brothers, sisters, parents.  They are able to obtain 3 outfits and 3 giftable items per person on there "shopping" list.  Santa's Workshop has helped hundreds of people have a christmas.  I loved christmas with my kids, expecially shopping and picking out their gifts.  That is how Santa's Workshop came to be.    What a wonderful gift to receive such nice donations and be able to host a wonderful and most needed event in memory and in honor of my children.  I am so proud, humbled and honored that so many people gave so generously.  A special thank you to all who have donated.

Bethany, Breanne and Branden's Mom