Event benefits cancer society
Kelly Buncic didn’t know much about cancer until it took her son, Brandon, in 1999 just days before his fourth birthday. “It’s a cause that I didn’t really know a lot about until Brandon was diagnosed,’ said the Nicholson Township woman. “It was like being swept up in a whirlwind and I couldn’t get out. I could go on and on. When cancer touches your life, it’s a traumatic event. It’s something that needs someone to be there, to help guide you, and for someone to have answers to all the questions you have.’
Since their son’s death, Mrs. Buncic and her husband, Joe, have been active in raising money for the American Cancer Society. They continue that support this year with the Brandon’s Hope Sixth Annual Golf Outing, which will take place Saturday, Sept. 24 at Rohanna’s Golf Course in Waynesburg with a four-man scramble and 9 a.m. shotgun start.
Speaking of the golf outing, Mrs. Buncic said, “The money goes to research, education and preventative screenings. And back to everyone who needs it. Whether you’re the one who’s been diagnosed, your mom, your neighbor -anyone. And the information is there for you. It’s easy to get in contact with the American Cancer Society.’
Brandon was born Feb. 26, 1995, the eldest child of Joe, a bricklayer, and Kelly, who became a nurse at Monongalia General Hospital in Morgantown after her son’s death. The couple also has two daughters, Courtney, 6, and Allison, 3.
Brandon began suffering fevers in the months before he was diagnosed. His parents were alarmed when a tumor appeared one day on the side of his mouth. That’s when a local physician referred the family to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh where Brandon underwent testing and his cancer was discovered.
Treated with chemotherapy, Brandon was in stage four. The cancer, which had started in his stomach and kidney area, metastised before his family knew about it and was in his bone marrow and blood.
Brandon died Feb. 19, 1999.
That fall, the Buncic family decided to reach out to others, thankful for all the public support they had received. Mrs. Buncic contacted the American Cancer Society and became involved in the Fayette County Relay for Life.
The family decided to offer the Brandon’s Hope annual golf outing. Last year, the event raised $11,000.
“But I don’t want to give up there,’ said Mrs. Buncic. “I wish we could go above and beyond that this year.’
Any money raised by this 2005 golf outing will go to the 2006 Fayette County Relay for Life, which is held in August. Over the last five years, Brandon’s Hope has raised more than $25,000.
The golf outing will offer food and prizes once again, including a two-year lease on a 2005 Ford vehicle from Davies Ford in Connellsville and a 2005 quad from Morgantown Honda.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided.
But the golf outing is looking for more support.
Mrs. Buncic noted, “We really need a lot of help with donations and players.’
To offer help or for more information on Brandon’s Hope Sixth Annual Golf Outing, phone 724-725-3242.