Against All Odds: Teen Given No Hope to Live Past 18 Months Triumphs at High School Graduation!

Braden West was born with Pfeiffer syndrome Type 2, a rare condition causing skull malformations and brain underdevelopment. Doctors told his parents he wouldn’t survive past 18 months. Defying the odds, Braden, now 22, is a firefighter. Despite over 30 surgeries and a tracheotomy at 3 months, his family’s support and faith helped him thrive.

Nurse Michele Eddings Linn, who bonded with Braden during his hospice care, later took his senior photos. Braden graduated high school, joined the Civil Air Patrol, and volunteers at Moseleyville Fire Department. His mom, Cheri, says his journey proves you should never give up.