Help Brandon get to Holly Angels University.

Brandon Young Start Date: Aug 27, 2024 - End Date: Dec 25, 2024
  • Philippines

My Travel Story

by: Brandon Young Start Date: Aug 27, 2024 - End Date: Dec 25, 2024
Hi!
My name is Brandon Young. I am a resident of Katy, Texas, just outside of Houston.

I am an explorer at heart, always eager to step beyond the familiar and immerse myself in new experiences. This opportunity to venture into a world so different from what I’m accustomed to excites me immensely. The thought of stepping into the unknown, embracing the challenges that come with it, and growing through those experiences fills me with anticipation and curiosity.

In high school, I was a straight-A student passionate about basketball, spending countless hours on the court honing my skills. However, my life took an unexpected turn one fateful night when I was attacked and stabbed multiple times and left for dead in the church parking lot (see photos above). The injuries I sustained changed everything, robbing me of my ability to play the sport I loved. But this setback did not break my spirit but ignited a new passion and drive within me.

Now, I am focused on pursuing a degree in Aeronautical Engineering in the Philippines, a country where part of my family lives and where I hope to connect. Most of my education is already covered through a 529 College Fund family members set up years ago, but my father cannot afford the international flight tickets that will allow me to embark on this journey. That’s where I need your help.

Every contribution brings me closer to realizing my dream of studying aviation and turning what once seemed like an insurmountable obstacle into a story of resilience and triumph.

Whether you provide a generous contribution, forward this campaign to friends and family, or both, thank you very much for your support!

Special thanks to Mariet Young for setting up this campaign!
  • Philippines

Updates

4

  • Recovery Journey: Reflecting On My Progress (Part II)

    Recovery Journey: Reflecting On My Progress (Part II)
    This photo brings back a significant memory from my recovery journey after the knife attack. The injury was severe—the knife that punctured my neck went through between my left shoulder blade and collarbone, miraculously missing a critical artery but still damaging nerves that severely limited my arm movement, especially on my left side. In the beginning, I could barely lift the ball to my waist due to the nerve damage (as shown in the photo in the Recovery Journey Part I). Seeing myself here, 6 months later, holding it at shoulder height is a huge milestone.

    The progress I’ve made didn’t come easily. Physical therapy was challenging, but even more so was the mental battle of believing that I could regain full movement. Each session tested my endurance, but each bit of progress, like lifting the ball higher, reminded me that healing—though slow—was happening.

    In this photo, I’m standing tall, fully focused on the movement, with my therapist encouraging me every step of the way. It’s not just a picture of me holding a ball; it represents resilience, perseverance, and the strength to push forward despite the setbacks.

    Once again, thank you to everyone who has supported me and continues to stand by me throughout this fundmytravel journey. Your encouragement has been invaluable and has helped me stay strong through the toughest moments. If you have any questions or would like to know more about my recovery, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to share more details as I feel comfortable. Your support means the world to me.

  • Recovery Journey: Reflecting On My Progress (Part I)

    Recovery Journey: Reflecting On My Progress (Part I)
    Looking back at this photo of me during physical therapy about 2 years ago, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come. The image captures a moment months after the horrific knife attack when I was still trying to regain my strength, both physically and mentally. It’s hard to describe what it felt like in that moment—the uncertainty, the pain, and the determination all rolled into one. My body was healing, but my mind had to work just as hard to push through the fear and fatigue.

    In the photo, you can see me focusing on every movement, and every small achievement felt like a victory. Those therapy sessions were tough, but they were necessary steps on the path to getting my life back. I remember how the smallest progress felt monumental on some days, while other days were a struggle to show up.

    But looking at it now, I feel proud of the person in that picture. I see someone who didn’t give up, who found the strength to keep going even when the journey seemed endless. I’m still healing, and every day presents new challenges, but I carry the lessons from those months of recovery with me—lessons of patience, resilience, and courage.

    Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this journey. This photo serves as a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much further I can still go.

More Travel Information

Adventure Registry

  • Backpack

    $ 50

  • 50,000 AirLine Miles

    50,000

  • 10,000 Airline Miles

    10,000

  • 5,000 Airline Miles

    5,000

  • Dell - Inspiron 16” Laptop

    $ 1,199

  • TI-89 Graphing Calculator

    $ 189