Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenden Butler.
Hi Brenden, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After receiving a life changing cancer diagnosis at age 17, I realize I was called to do more than what I thought I was going to do. I always sought comfort but I realized that through my pain and suffering is where real growth happens. After finishing cancer treatment that consisted of 10 months of chemotherapy and a below knee amputation, I searched for purpose and way to use what I had been through to help others. That is when, with the help and support of my mom, sister, and aunt, we decided to found Brenden Butler Family Foundation. Our goal was to give us an official platform to provide support for people who have gone through similar challenges to me, pediatric cancer, living with a disability, and mental health struggles. It cost nothing to be there for someone and that’s what we really strive to do. Outside of the foundation, I have a steady career as a coach and athletic trainer as well as continuing to pursue Paralympic track.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Haha not at all. From being a teenager diagnosed with cancer, figuring out how to live with limb loss as a young adult to seeking purpose through my pain, the road has been anything but smooth. The cancer treatment alone took up almost a year of my life and caused me to miss half my senior year of high school. Transitioning back into reality after treatment was one of the hardest things ever. I did not know who I was and I was not accepting of my new self and new body. I had no confidence and thought no body understood what I was going through. After I received the help I needed from lots of different sources, I tried entering the work force just to learn that I couldn’t go through a normal workday without experiencing and decent amount of pain in my leg. I still have struggles to this day as the road continues to be bumpy. I’m just a lot better at managing the bumps and responding to them.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For work, I train all kinds of athletes in gym to help them achieve the highest level of performance in their respective sports. I am also the head coach of a 14u travel hockey team. I’m most proud of being in a position to make people better and have influence in their lives. I would say that my perspective on life and no quit attitude set me apart from others.
Also I have a small non profit that supports children and their families going through cancer treatment. We provide care packages(called bb boxes), meals, and anything else they request in the hospital. Our big event is a year end gift drive where we adopt certain families and spoil them for the holidays.
Pricing:
- Care package (bb box) sponsorship $250
Contact Info:
- Email: brendenbutlerfamilyfoundation@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendenbutlerfamilyfoundation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18euQksHQu/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Bryon Crawly
Laura Schaudt
