Teen who wasn’t expected to live 18 months graduates high school
Doctors warned Braden West’s parents he would not survive after being diagnosed before birth with Pfeiffer syndrome Type 2, a severe craniofacial condition. His mother, Cheri, was told his skull was malformed and his chances were nearly zero.
Against all odds, Braden was born. Sent home after one month so his family could say goodbye, he instead began to fight. He endured over 30 surgeries, including a high-risk procedure with only a 10% survival rate.
His survival was aided by an unbreakable bond with nurse Michele Eddings Linn. She once prayed for his suffering to end as his condition worsened, but he recovered, becoming her first hospice patient to leave alive.
Braden continued to defy expectations. He learned to walk after years of therapy and later graduated high school—a moment his mother never thought possible given his early prognosis.
To celebrate his graduation, his parents surprised him with a helicopter ride to a live concert by his favorite country artist, a perfect day for a young man who constantly surpassed limits.
Now 22, Braden has achieved his ultimate dream: becoming a volunteer firefighter with the Moseleyville Fire Department. He also serves in his local civil air patrol unit.
His journey is a powerful testament to resilience and faith. His mother hopes it inspires others to never give up, emphasizing that the view from the top of any mountain is amazing.
