With an entire community behind him and the support of a loving family, Brandon Gentry bravely battled his cancer.
Sadly, the 12-year-old Oxford boy lost the fight of his life Monday, Oct. 20 and passed away.
‘He was my world,? said mother Jennifer Gentry. ‘I don’t know what to do.?
Gentry, who previously attended Lakeville Elementary, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on May 22 and had been undergoing chemotherapy ever since. It was complications from the treatments, not the cancer itself, that ultimately claimed his young life.
Over the last few months, the community rallied behind the brave youngster through various fund-raisers to benefit his financially struggling family. ‘The community’s wonderful,? Jennifer said. ‘They don’t realize how much they helped.?
Spunky, happy, friendly, funny, full of energy ? these are all words used describe Gentry. ‘If you needed a smile, he had one for you, a little crooked one,? she said.
Gentry’s mom indicated it was Lakeville Elementary special education teacher Deanna Marginet who best summed up her son when she said, ‘Her classroom is a lot sadder now because if somebody didn’t have a friend, they had Brandon.?
Like most kids his age, Gentry loved to have fun, whether he was fishing at Independence Oaks, four-wheeling, watching hockey or playing the Nintendo Wii he got through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Gentry is survived by his mother Jennifer, father Jeff Gentry, stepmother Christina, sister Breanna, grandparents Madeline and Jerry Gentry, of Oxford, and Linda and Kim Grant-Eddy, of Newberry; half-sisters Jacqlyn, Rose and Kelly,, half-brother Cody, stepbrothers Brandon and Jacob and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation will take place at Lynch and Sons Funeral Directors Bossardet Chapel from 1-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22.
The funeral is set for 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 at the same location.
Donations in Gentry’s name can be made to ‘B’s Healing Fund? at Oxford Bank.
The money will be used to help Gentry’s mother and sister stay afloat financially while she gets back on her feet.
Her son’s leukemia forced her to quit her job and care for him 24-7.
‘His illness and his needs ran my life,? she said.