On June 1, 2012, my 28-year-old sister, Brittany, lost her battle with Batten Disease.
Brittany was a beautiful girl who was happy and loved to smile. She loved music and movies. Her favorite movies were animated ones — pretty much anything Disney or Pixar, and one of her most recent favorites was Happy Feet. She loved other movies like Jumanji and Mrs. Doubtfire. She loved the outdoors. She loved Mexican food and pizza. She loved Barbies and jewelry.
Because of the disease, she had a hard life and has suffered for many years. Batten Disease is rare (it affects 2-4 of every 100,000 births in the US) and most people have never heard about it. Even as I sat at her bedside the last week before her death, I found all of the doctors, nurses, and medical staff to be unfamiliar with it.
Batten Disease is a terminal brain disease. It is inherited. It started with Brittany losing her eyesight at about age 8 and progressed to seizures and decreased mental function. In the end, she was unable to walk or talk and lost all of her motor skills.
Brittany was totally dependent on others to take care of her. My dad, prior to his death in January, took care of her and did everything possible to give her a good life. He tirelessly tended to her every need and fought insurance companies for the services and medical equipment that she needed. He was heartbroken when her health took a major down turn and she had to begin living in a nursing home full-time. But everyday, he went to the nursing home and sat with her for hours.
There are no words to describe how much Brittany will be missed. Our family has known for a long while that this day would come, but there doesn’t seem to be any way of adequately preparing yourself.
What brings me peace right now is knowing she isn’t suffering any longer. I also imagine that she is with our Dad and our sister, Danielle…that there may be greater reasons to why we’ve lost 3 family members in such a short time.
I love you, Brittany. May you rest in peace now.
Ways to Help Batten Disease Families
To learn more about Batten Disease, I encourage you to visit the Batten Disease Support & Research Association. There is videos and lots of information available. In lieu of flowers, donations to the BDSRA made in honor of Brittany are also very much appreciated. You can also LIKE the BDSRA on Facebook and follow the BDSRA on Twitter.
Update: 10/15/2015
If you wear makeup (or even if you don’t), here’s a wonderful way you can support the BDSRA and families affected by Batten Disease.
Marlena of MakeupGeek.com has also personally been affected by Batten Disease. Because of this, she’s created the Caitlin Rose Foiled Eyeshadow Pan. A bright amethyst purple with a foiled finish. 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of this shadow benefit the Batten Disease Support & Research Association.
Here’s a video where Marlena shares about Caitlin Rose, explains the story of this shadow, and even shows you a tutorial on how you can use it.
Wendys Hat says
Oh Brandie my heart goes out to you and your family. No words only LOVE.
Frugal Ferret says
Sorry to hear about the loss of your sisters and father.
What a great article to remember her.
taradara says
Oh goodness, I am so sorry for your loss. You have had a tough year!! oy. I’m so happy knowing that your dad was there to greet her when she arrived…
Lori Lavender Luz says
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved sister, and also your father. I’m wishing for you peace. Blessings on you all.
Ronni Keller says
I am so sorry for your many losses of late.
As someone who *woke up* one day to find a whole new body waiting for me after a horrific car crash, take some comfort in knowing you helped make her life enjoyable and gave her love. She felt that. This I know. It’s a wonderful gift to give.
Fiona says
Such sad news Brandie…I’m sure your sister had a wonderful life with a loving family – I can see that from the pic on your Blog. I am quite a new subscriber and love your posts.
Sending you hugs and prayers.
Fiona.
Heather M says
Sending you lots of warm thoughts and prayers. I’m so glad your sister had a good life with a wonderful family.
Carolina says
Brandie,
I can’t imagine the scale of loss you’ve endured lately. The first picture in this post is beautiful – I feel like I know a little of your dad and sis just by looking at their smiling faces.
{Hugs}
Carolina
Dottie Sauchelli Balin says
So very sorry for your loss. Beautiful story and your sister would be proud. My prayers and thoughts are for you and your family.
brandie says
Thank you, Dottie.
the wicked noodle says
I so wish I could give you a big hug right now. What a sad story but a wonderful tribute to a sister who was so beautiful in so many ways. I’m so sorry you’ve had such a difficult year. My heart goes out to you.
Jess Harp says
You are in my thoughts Brandie.
brandie says
Thank you, Jess.
Abigail Peterson says
I’m so sorry Brandie. Your family has more than their fair share of tragedy this year. May you find peace and comfort the rest of this year. Hugs.
brandie says
Thank you, Abigail…I’m looking very forward to things calming down a bit. I’ve been feeling better the last few days, which led me to do this post today.
Lisa Ladrido says
Your sister was so beautiful Brandie. Such a touching tribute in honor of her memory, in addition you are spreading awareness of this condition to others. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Lisa
brandie says
Thank you so much, Lisa.
Amanda says
Love you B!
brandie says
And I love you, A ♥
Jan says
I have no words of wisdom. Just want you to know that I’m thinking of you.
brandie says
Thank you, Jan. I’m so glad you were able to meet her.
Cooks_Books says
I can hardly imagine the depth of your loss, Brandie. Sending my thoughts and prayers your way.
brandie says
Thank you…it means a lot to me. ♥