Cody Brasich, 4, loses battle with cancer; Marble Falls neighbors rallied to support him, family
MARBLE FALLS — A 4-year-old boy whose battle with a rare form of cancer endeared him to a community and unified a neighborhood has lost his struggle with the disease, family members said.
Cody Brasich, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, died Aug. 5 in his home with his parents Laura and David Brasich by his side. The announcement came from relatives and was posted on a family-maintained website.
“Cody had a good last day yesterday (Aug. 4),” said his aunt Stephanie Weaver in an email. “(He) was able to interact a bit with his cousin and was able to interact with his parents.”
A notice on the website said, “Cody has joined the angels.”
The family lives in the Highland Hills subdivision, where neighbors earlier this summer rallied in support of fundraisers to help the family with expenses.
“The amazing thing is (that) the entire community has responded,” said neighbor Golden Downing of Highland Hills Neighbors for Cody just last month. “Everybody has been great about helping out or donating items.”
Supporters raised more than $4,000 for Cody during the Cody Kickin’ Cancer benefit July 21 at the Marble Falls 56th annual Open-Pro Rodeo. More than $11,440 overall has been raised in the last few months thanks to the community’s efforts, according to the website www.codybrasich.com.
In July, Cody and his family learned his rare form of childhood cancer had returned. He had been in remission since January.
A year earlier, physicians at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas in Austin found a large tumor in the boy’s abdomen. The cancer typically forms on the adrenal gland near the kidneys, then spreads.
Due to the few number of cases diagnosed annually — about 500 to 700 — the symptoms are often overlooked or attributed to other reasons, Cody’s mother Laura Brasich said earlier this year.
When doctors finally diagnosed Cody with neuroblastoma, his condition had already advanced to Stage IV, she said.
Following the diagnosis, Cody, his mother and father spent many days — even months — away from home for treatments in Austin, Houston and eventually the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
Following a battery of tests in January, doctors told the family that Cody was in remission. But he continued undergoing checkups and treatments.
During a medical visit July 20, physicians informed the family the cancer was back.
“He had a beautiful last day with his favorite cousin and family — watching television, talking and recounting great times,” said a statement posted on the website. “His family has been deeply touched by your generosity in thoughts, prayers and donations. May his spirit live long in your hearts, as well.”