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Skipper's Concert To Benefit 13-Year-Old Boy With Cancer

Wilson family photo

From left: Brandon Wilson, 13; Reggie Wilson II, 20; Karina Wilson, 6; and Reggie Wilson, 41.

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By SARAH HOYE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 2, 2008

TAMPA - When 13-year-old Brandon Wilson was diagnosed with brain cancer late last year, his mother's friends decided to turn a negative into a positive and celebrate his life.

Sunday, friends will host a benefit concert in Brandon's honor at Skipper's Smokehouse.

Proceeds will go to the family to cover expenses and to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation in Tampa.

"We have been very blessed. It's funny how much you take for granted," said Monica Wilson, Brandon's mom. The benefit "turned into a beautiful thing and they have gone all out."

The event will feature Tampa Bay area performers The Dukes of Juke, Blue Dice, Bill Johnson and Focus Fire with special appearances by Sandy Atkinson and saxophonist Stacey Knights. Tickets are $10.

Monica Wilson and her husband, Reggie, who have two other children, ages 20 and 6, are amazed by the community's support.

"As parents we want to know how to beat the odds," Monica Wilson said.

She's a real estate agent who stays at home to assist her son; Reggie Wilson recently retired from the Army.

Monica Wilson described Brandon as kid who loves to fish and play soccer.

"Brandon has this total can-do attitude. He has never been negative," she said. "He has the attitude you hope you instill in your children."

This past Christmas Eve, the unthinkable happened.

Brandon woke up that morning with a headache.

When the pain lingered and worsened, his mom took him to an after-hours clinic thinking it was a migraine. Instead, an MRI showed Brandon had a plum-size tumor.

He was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital, where he was diagnosed with an aggressive malignant brain cancer rarely found in children. It required immediate surgery.

Today, Brandon -- who generally is in high spirits, his mom said -- is being home-schooled while undergoing radiation and chemotherapy to keep the tumor from returning. He turns 14 on Wednesday.

"I honestly don't know how they function as well as they do. It's amazing how positive they are and how upbeat Brandon is," said Adrienne Lugo, a childhood friend of Monica's, who helped organize Sunday's benefit. "A child has so much to live for, and every dollar for research counts."

Brandon Wilson Benefit Concert, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday; $10; Skipper's Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road, (813) 971-0666. Reporter Sarah Hoye can be reached at (813) 259-7832 or shoye@tampatrib.com.

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