Mile 44

In March 2023, 14-year-old Brady Duncan—an active teen with a love for sports—began experiencing severe headaches and a noticeable loss of energy. His parents, Dirck and Nicole, grew concerned as he stopped showing interest in the things he loved. After a series of medical visits and a trip to the ER, a CT scan revealed a blockage in Brady’s brain. He was immediately transferred to the PICU at Manning Family Children’s, where a neurosurgeon placed a shunt and performed a biopsy. Brady was diagnosed with a central nervous system germinoma, a rare type of brain tumor, and began treatment under pediatric neuro-oncologist Dr. Maria Velez.

Brady’s journey included four rounds of chemotherapy and daily radiation treatments. Despite battling complications like pneumonia and infections due to a weakened immune system, he faced each hurdle with incredible strength. His care team adapted treatment as needed, carefully monitoring his progress and ensuring his safety before each new round. On September 1, 2023, Brady rang the bell at Manning Family Children’s to celebrate the completion of his cancer treatment—a powerful moment marking his victory over a disease that had blindsided his family just months earlier.

Now a freshman in high school, Brady is back in the classroom, on the honor roll, and working hard to regain his energy. He continues to follow up with Dr. Velez every few months and is surrounded by a supportive care team and loving family. Reflecting on their experience, the Duncans encourage others facing similar challenges to stay positive, lean on their faith and support system, and take it one day at a time.