The Brayden Cole Hinck Foundation

A Legacy of Hope and Change

Brayden Cole Hinck was a beacon of light and resilience. At just 10 years old, Brayden’s life took a harrowing turn when he was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer. Despite undergoing brain surgery, 30 radiation treatments, and oral chemotherapy, he never let his condition overshadow his joy. With his ever-present smile, he continued to attend school, play basketball, and inspire everyone around him.

Tragically, Brayden’s battle continued when he was diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease, a devastating cancer affecting the cerebrospinal fluid. He passed away this year on May 28, just shy of his 12th birthday.

During Brayden’s final months, he spent nearly seven weeks as an in-patient at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). His family was fortunate enough to be together through this ordeal, supported by good health insurance, understanding employers, and family help. However, they witnessed firsthand the struggles of families who faced significant challenges, such as not being able to stay with their sick children due to financial constraints or single-parent responsibilities. They also discovered that federal funding for pediatric cancer research is shockingly inadequate, with only 4 percent of the annual cancer research budget dedicated to children’s cancer—less than $3 per child.

In response to these challenges, The Brayden Cole Hinck Foundation was established with a clear mission: to financially assist families whose children are undergoing cancer treatment, fund research for pediatric brain cancer, and inspire others to “Be Like B.” By honoring Brayden’s courage, the foundation seeks to provide crucial support and drive meaningful change in the fight against pediatric cancer. For more information on how you can help, visit fightforbrayden.org.