A dying boy urges others to follow their dreams
November 11, 2008 by Editor
As you think, so you are. As you dream, so you become. As you create your wishes, so they create you. –Wendy Garrett
A Dying Boy’s Last Wish:
Brenden was the kid who ran the fastest, climbed the highest and dreamed of becoming a marine photographer. Leukemia took away all those things, but not his wish to help others. “He’s always thought about others. Never complained about having to go through this, ever,” said his mother, Wendy Foster. When Brenden was first diagnosed with leukemia, he and his mom began a new tradition. Every night they list three positive things that happened during the day, and they have to share a laugh. A chuckle will do, Brenden said, but a fake laugh will never do. In the last days of his life, it was a homeless camp, namely Nickelsville, that captured the boy’s heart. [Read more]
Be The Change:
Share a meal, a conversation or a smile with a homeless person in Brenden’s honor.
-From DailyGood.org
GOOD JOB BRENDEN
YOU ARE DEFINITELY AN ANGEL
In Brenden’s honor my family and some neighbors delivered 65 sandwiches and had a hot dog cookout for a homeless tent city in our neighborhood. It so much fun and the people were so kind and appreciative. I’m inspired to make a difference. Thanks, Brenden!
Make no mistake, Brenden is an angel and not a human being. He is too beautiful, too stoic, too caring and too wise to be human. He is an angel just come down to teach us a lesson at a time when the world is hurtling without meaning. He has given meaning to my life.
Don’t let Brenden’s wish end here. There is a bigger picture. It is fantastic that so many are giving to those who need in his honor. If we all made the effort to do something for someone on a daily basis - the world would be such a better place. We get busy and forget the simple act of kindness. God bless you Brenden…
I have never been so touched by anoter human beings selflessness as this sweet angel, i just hope many can see that one person can make a difference if one child who is dying can reach out for others and be concerned the rest of us have no excuse it should be a honor to carry on his wish in any way we can. Rest in peace angel.
This boy is amazing truly an angel, sometimes heaven needs a hero too!
BRENDEN
I live in Malaysia, and when I first heard about Brenden,reading his story, I did not realize that tears running down my cheeks. This boy has changed my life forever. I kept wondering why an angel like him is taken away from us. Then I realize that God have better plans for him. He may be small, an only lived up to 11 years old, but my life of 26 years could not compare to this boy’s short years of life. He has touched us all with his honorable wish. May God bless his soul. Let us remember his tiny soul and continue his wish of helping others. He infact indeed is an Angel. Love you Brenden….
I’ve never been inspired as much by words spoken from the lips of another human being, although these words defentinly were spoken by an angel. I feel GOD but Brenden here to touch our soul’s and i can honestly say besides the day my boys were born my soul has never been touched like that before; THANK YOU BRENDEN.
To an angel, Brenden you are an perfect angel.Thanks for inspiring people not to give up on their dreams.You are one of a kind.
That little boy did something so unselfish and thoughtful he was angel already he just didn’t know it.. It made me think about those people out there complaining about what they want for chirstmas and theres people that can’t even get one meal in their day..Brenden gave them that and he didn’t even ask for any big electronic toy or a thank you.
I truely will remember what Brenden reminds us that we need to do. Stop being so materialistic and selfish. Doesn’t matter if you can only afford to give a dollar..just do it. I hope Brenden’s family can have peace knowing how amazing Brenden and have a happy thanksgiving and chirstmas without sadness and tears. I know God will carry them through their difficult times.
What a selfless little boy, he just reminded the whole world what is important. I agree with the rest. I wish there were a whole olt of people who cared about others and thought og giving rather than getting. He is a truly an angel on earth who will continue being an angel in heaven, I didn’t know him but I wish I did
Please someone contact me on how to give back to this angel’s family or organization.
My soul is saddened that a young man so full of goodness has left us. It lightens my heart to know that this little man met his fate with such grace and courage. He is a true warrior.
it was heart moving to have read about someone that is this amazing , wonderful, and enspiring. you truly where an angel when you where alive and moved on to be an angel in heaven .he is a sign that everyone can make a difference in a humans life no matter what the situation was . thank you for bieng a role model to everyone of us . this story is a sign that good acions travel the miles and can touch the hearts of everyone. …. dina from jordan 4000 miles away in physical distance and a heart beat away in feelings
What a beautiful angel Brenden is!! I’m soo sorry for your loss. He is looking down from Heaven and smiling because of what he did for other people. You should be soo proud of him. God bless him and your family.
We all should be more like Brenden and help each other out and stop being so greedy in this world, if we were all big hearted like Brenden think of how the world would be, and not what it is today, Brenden God Bless you.
Brenden’s simple and kind wish has summarized all the big words that strained authers of best sellers on positive thinking or emotional intelligence or whatever you might call it .
I would not use the past tense cause i believe Brebden is and will always be here with us …
I am 50 yeras old and found that I can learn a lot from the gentleness and kindness and selfless attitude of Brenden …. This child did not give in … id not bblame his luck .. did not curse heaven for his calamity … instead he did what God intended all human to do .. to make a difference in the lives of others and brenden did make a differrence …
Jebran Khalil Jebran in his classical must-read The Propher wrote: You give nothing whne you give of your positions ..It is when you give of yourslef that you truely give ….
My heart is with Brenden’s family … the real source of the kindness and wisdome of this angle
After teaching for 35 years, I realize that children are closer to God than adults. Brenden Foster has shown me that truth, once again. An amazing child. Another Hero to show the world.
I am a soldier in the Army stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. I have done many things in my time to make people proud of me like always giving my lunch money to donation cans, and always sharing. But what I have done is nothing compared to young Brenden. Brenden, you made my heart smile and my eyes cry when I saw your article on Yahoo News. You are the very epitomy of kindness. A young man like you was obviously raised 100% without a doubt with love. You may be above watching on others as your legacy carries on. But you have left a mark that will go unforgotten.
A deep heart ~ This is humanity at its deepest core…
Boy going to live much longer than expected. This is my wish.Expectations of mortals killing angels. media, doctors, parents expecting verdict to come true.Based on what? Is any of listed represents God and His Knowing and His Words?
This MAN is the kind of man I pray my son will grow up to be. My brother has had to deal with a difficult life such as Brenden, however my borther is still here to tell his own story. My family will be handing out food this year as we do every year, but I will certainly say an extra prayer for God’s angel named Brenden Foster..
And I will pray we all hear that bell ring over the holidays when Brenden gets his wings…
God be with as well Wendy
May God recover him out of the disease and give him a blessed life!
He will be on my prayer always!
Words to this poem have always inspired me and I hope they inspire you as well.
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared a laugh, a kiss;
Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all to brief;
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
Brenden you are my hero. Thank you so much for you love of others. You made my heart warm and full of joy. In your short life you have done so much for so many. Thank you my dear wonderful boy. Peace and Love too you and your family.
Brenden is an angel .I have no words to praise him.May his soul rest in pease.
May god give courage to his family and friends to cope this hardest time in their life.
My hat is off to brenden he is an angel.but it makes me sad to think that a child had to die to open the hearts of people to do the right thing. god bless brenden and his family.
May God recover him out of the disease and give him a blessed life!
He will be on my prayer always
You touched my heart Brenden. You are an angel.
My admiration goes to that wonderful mother who cared, forgave, and feed her child’s heart with such an unconditional love, that even on this last, most critical hours, he could forget about himself. Praise father God!! for giving us, moms, that divine touch to care for others. Amén.
Let’s continue that good example; make it a habit. Be positive, wise, thoughtful, polite, courteous;
challenge yourself every day; look beyond people’s eyes. Remember: what you plant, you will harvest. It is a precious life when one has a positive mentality. God created us to be happy.
No story has ever touched me like this one has. What a beautiful boy this child is. We can learn so much from him; Sometimes we don’t take the time to realize just how lucky we are, and this story really touched me deep inside. I truly believe that he is just a little angel sent down to teach us a lesson and to be thankful for what we have today, right now. What a beautiful beautiful boy and what a story to live in my heart forever<3
My admiration goes to that wonderful mother who cared, forgave, and feed her child’s heart with such an unconditional love, that even on this last, most critical hours, he could forget about himself. Praise father God!! for giving us, moms, that divine touch to care for others. Amén.
Let’s continue that good example; make it a habit. Be positive, wise, thoughtful, polite, courteous;
challenge yourself every day; look beyond people’s eyes. Remember: what you plant, you will harvest. It is a precious life when one has a positive mentality. God created us to be happy.
I am also the mother of a leukemia sick boy , he is 13 years old. we too had little or no chance, but we still here after almost 3 years of battle ,
The kids that are fighting this horrible sickness will never complain . they will always have more currage and more faith then we adults could ever come up with . Brenden is an angel and he is happy in the arms of jesus, he is free of pain and treaments .And after all he done for so many people , he is smiling down on us and saying” Yes I done it ”
to the family for this awsom little boy . We will keep you in our prayers . may time be kind to you , in the month to follow
love
kathy, lucas and marcus
What a beautiful soul this little boy was and always will be. We should all take a lesson from him and see life through his eyes. God Bless his family…
I think Brendon was a very remarkable person and that his mother should always tell his story. God truly knew that he would stand the trails and could go through the pain.I pray the blessing upon the women whom he bless to carry this child.
I would like to say that brenden inspire me with he brave spirit even do he didnt make it to see the year 2009 i know he is in a better place watchind down on us and he family i had never seen a kid we souch courage and strenght to do what he did for other that are helpless is a wonderful thing and i tell u brenden even do u are not here u really touch my heart man and i just want to say may god bless u and ur family and may the lord continue to bless u in ur journey in heaven u are a very special young man and you will be miss by a lot of people more specially ur love ones once again thank you Brenden you are a true angel in heaven.
My admiration goes to that wonderful mother who cared, forgave, and feed her child’s heart with such an unconditional love, that even on this last, most critical hours, he could forget about himself. Praise father God!! for giving us, moms, that divine touch to care for others.
Remember: what you plant, you will harvest. It is a precious life when one has a positive mentality. God created us to be happy. Amén
Angels are all around us and it is again time to be thankful for what we have and stop wishing for all the things we don’t have. Brenden is a symbol of how we should live life and I for one will make sure I give a little more to the local food pantry this year even if it hurts just a little. I will choose one more Advent Angel from the giving tree at church than I had planned to. I have been blessed and I will do more to bless someone else! Thank you Brenden for reminding me to think of others first and be thankful for everyday. God Bless You and your family. I will pray for a miracle!
Brenden was truly a divine gift. He is an inspiration to all th living to do the best with each
breathe for ourselves and the happiness of others. I will offer special prayers for his
eternal existence for he has already lived an enligthened life in his time here on earth.
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. May we all continue to be United Souls Aligned.
More people need to think like Brenden! He knew what life was all about. Looking out for others and being there in their time of need. To you, mom, you did a wonderful job with your son! God is very pleased with him and with you! Well done Brenden. I pray that your light keeps shining to guide the way for others to follow your example.
This story touched my spirits! Shame on me I was too busy working to take a break and watch the news for a second. He is a wonderful kid, and I hope he enjoys his new home in heaven. OMG I’m going to start tearing up now.
Like Brenden, my 3 year old son, is fighting leukemia. I pray daily for my son and his future. will he be a survivor or will he like Brenden lose the fight? I can only pray for Gavin..We should all be so lucky to raise thoughtful and giving children. To learn that such a wonderful soul has had to endure such pain is truly unfair..God Bless you and your family. your mom should be proud.
Semper Fi! Brenden….
I havent shed a tear in years and your strength and honor has touched my heart.
My God love you and hold you always, because you have loved others.
This young man just stopped me right in my tracks. After being overcome with tears, I am left with no other choice but to re-dedicate my life to helping others as we all must. What a profound message from GOD HIMSELF, as HE leaves us assured that Brenden is now safe with HIM.
Thank you Brenden
a young boy with a big heart… you truly are an angel and i thank you for inspiring me… i am still teary eyed while composing this comment.
After reading the story of Brendon and his last wish , tears were rolling down and i am unable to control it till now. God should have left him to live a long life in this world where his good heart towards humanity has the power to change the world. I am still not able to digest that he is no more now. I will send some money to his Cancer Fund.
Brenden, you are such a great boy! Now safe in God’s arms where there is no more pain. God bless Wendy Foster, she’s just a lovely mom. Lord give Wendy strength to accept things she can not change.
B-man I have shared your legacy with my 18 grand children.What a little man you are B-MAN.
Words cant explain what I feel as i read this article about Brenden. It’s simply admiring to see how intelligent, generous and caring Brenden is. This story has touched my heart deeply and my condolences to the family. God Bless this boy and let him live on through all great acts.
Tears filled my eyes when I heard this beautiful story. Brenden is a gift from God and has accomplished more in his short life on Earth than most do in 100 years. He lived a selfless life, one that makes God smile. I lost my wife a short time ago, she was only 27, she was great just like Brenden. I thank God for blessing me with Maria, as Wendy is thankful for God blessing her with Brenden. So many people drift through life without understanding the true purpose of life. When our time on Earth comes to an end, we are not judged by what we own, but what we do with everything we are blessed with. Living a selfless life, giving people of less fortune hope and helping them get closer to God. Wendy, you, your son and your family will continue to be in my prayers. I am sure my wife will great him in Life Eternal and they will be waiting for us when our time comes. God bless all of you.
Hi, what can i say. God loves you and i pray that your wishes will come true. God Bless.
Brendon is very much an angel not just for the homeless, but im sure after reading his story , that he very much so touched hearts, Brandon you sure touched mine, now your an angle in heaven watching over us all. and brandon please give my son Jason a hug for me
Brenden discovered the key to a full life in a short time. Well done Brenden.
Words can not express how touching Brenden is to the world. I just heard of this tonight and I am truly in awe of how amazing he is. I agree that he is an angel and his purpose was to touch the thousands of people that he did. I pray for him and his family.
I lost my youngest son Carlo on June 4, 2007 after battling Hodgkins Lymphoma for almost 3 years. He left us with unbearable grief. We asked God to help us through. God was generous, He gave us not one but plenty:the candle image shaped from the dripping candle during the wake; the face on the center of that candle image; the big butterfly on which appeared on the 40th day of prayer; the face of my son on the wings of that butterfly. I wrote a book about all these amazing, awesome events titled “The Birth of an Angel”. I give them out for free. I truly believed Brenden was visited by many Angels before the hour he was finally lifted up to heaven. I love Brenden in the same way I love my son Carlo. They are now enjoying the the endless bliss in heaven together.
If there is a God, Brenden is sitting on his knee. He was a precious gift. He is forever an inspiration.
You are an Angel now and will NEVER be forgotton.
what a truly wonderful boy!! bless his heart,, his parents must be proud,but my heart goes out to them,for their loss. he will surely leave a beautiful mark to all who read the story about him,, all i can say is what an angel!!!!!!
Dear Brenden family, when i see the video i could not hold up my tears. i Just want to say that God bless you all!
I want to say may God bless the entire Family especially Brenden’s Mum. May you always find comfort. Brenden touched my heart in an unexplainable way, i have come to realize that life is not always about the negative things that might occur, but rather the positiveness that one can make of it. May your beautiful soul rest in peace.
A very selfless act from a very young boy… I salute Brenden for from his very young heart, love overflows. For his bravery to accept what has given to him and never showed any regrets. I hope his mission or dreams will open the eyes of all people that we should be always be extending a helping hand and kindness to those who are in need. Brenden, you are such a sweet angel and I love you.
I wept when I heard the story of Brenden. Not because I was sad…but because this young man made such a difference on this planet. He is wise beyond his years and he has inspired me to follow my dreams and to continue to help the community and friends and family like I have. You will be missed Brenden.
Brenden,
You are a beautiful angel! You have inspired and touched my heart! May you rest in peace and find comfort and happiness in heaven! I am honored to have simply seen you on TV. From this day on, I will hold you and your family in my heart forever and will carry your kindness with me forever. Thank you for touching my heart and the hearts of so many others. We all love you!
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
To the family of Brenden Foster, I cried and cried when first heard about Brenden’s determination and desire for others on Headline News. I’m saddened to hear and read of his death. However, the Bible gives us hope of seeing our loved ones again at John 5:28,29, Revelation 21:3,4 , Psalms 37:29 and Job 33:24. Take comfort in knowing Brenden is not forgotten.
Sometimes you can see someone and know that God sent them for a mission. My ties to Seattle and personally battling leukemia there drew me further into this Blessed childs story. You look in his eyes and know He came right from God. We all come from God of course but Brandons mission was to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit the sick. Actions directly from the words of Christ. I once heard an audible voice in Church with noone around say “Just do good things”… and I thought it was perhaps meant for me as a lesson or direction. But it ties back here again with what Brenden rekindled. “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers you do to me” How beautiful it is that this boy can touch mens hearts to do just that. Lets all do what we can to make this a better world with whoever comes into your path .
God Bless
Dear Brenden,
You are such a incredible little Angel sent from heaven. Want to let you know we all the nice people on Earth are loving you as you are so brave and a very special good boy. I believe Jesus are here with you anywhere you need Him as He is by your side. You will see all the great and lovely things sent from heaven. Your mom, your family, your friends, and all the good people on Earth will be meet you over heaven. We love you, and we swill ee you over there too.
Love, Sylvia = )
To Brenden’s Mom I have a nephew who’s 3 and suffers from leukemia. I’ve seen the sacrifaces and toll it came have on a family. Your son is a proven inspiration. I just wish their would of been some way to save a person whose soul is from what I read so selfless. God bless you and your family and may your son rest in peace. Just because someone doesn’t have a place to live doesn’t make them any less human. I think that’s your little boy was trying to say and show.
When I saw this video on CNN the flood gates open even when brave Brenden stated no more tears. What a young and beautiful soul who inspired so many of us. Brenden you received your wings before you got to heaven because you were an angel among men. Good bless you and your family. Keeping smiling in heaven. I have been inspired to do something good for humanity before I leave this world.
In my 34 years in this world, I’ve never felt something like this before. My heart just melted when I saw this boy in the internet. And when I heard him spoke, I didn’t realize the tears falling down from my eyes. I have two young boys too and I love kids. Brenden message is simple, how blessed are the kids here in America materially, but yet, they still have room to complaint. Where in the other parts of this world, children does’nt even have food to fill their hungry little tummies. Brenden, you’ve touched my heart! THANK YOU LITTLE ANGEL! my condolences to his family. He’s now with the LORD, He’s gonna take care of him there… God bless you in this time of difficulties.. ECCLESIASTES chapter 3.
Brenden is in our hearts, mind and soul. Wendy Foster and his father, wherever they may be, God bless you. You gave an angel to the world, and he flew back when his job was done. Peace in heaven
An Annet from Uganda in Africa, i couldnt believe when i was reading, i had to just go ahead and watch the Video, am in office now but i couldnt control ma tears from falling down ma cheeks when i had to watch Brenden speak and hugging friends. I wonder so much why GOD has to take away the most precious people from its family and friends. Charity is the only way Angels of GOD had to come through him and deliver the message to us all.
May your soul rest in eternal peace Brenden
Brenden..you are loved by the world and you will always be remembered. I will pray for you and your family. Thank you for touching our lives. Love you son
What a brave little boy! Brenden has touched my heart and soul like never before. At 49 years i have done some charity but on small scale and must confess i have a bad attitude towards terminal illness and death. Out here in the 3rd world death is common and desperation amongst large numbers of the population quite high. But even in these conditions each one of us can make a difference to many others who are more needy; one meal, a smile, a hug, a word of encouragement, sharing a positive inspiring prayer, etc. Such selflessness as exhibited by Brenden should be copied and upheld.
May God bless Brenden’s family and grant him eternal rest and the afterlife role he pronounced.
I felt tears running down my cheecks while reading the article on Little Angel Brenden.
I was so touched and asked myself what exactly I have been able to do for the needy to show my love.
This Little Angel has taught me a lesson. In his dying days, he did not wish for a party to be thrown for himself and family but wished that the hungry be fed.
Little Angel Brenden may your soul rest in perfect peace.
To the family, may the good Lord comfort and protect you.
Hello Brenden
God love you and hold you always, because you are good friends of god .God himself love you Brenden
thanks your and god bless you and you family
take care……
An angel; a Saint. One of God’s very own.
To Brenden and his Mom: thank you for the words and energy of life he has given so many in so short a time. He is eternal, giving his love and wisdom to so many. It is obvious that he had an amazing energy and love for all, and he has shared with so many. Live your dreams and never give up, simple thoughts that so many of us have difficulty living on a daily basis. Seeing and listening to Brenden is an inspiration. Thank you and God bless. Dr Rob
I believe God puts people like Brenden in this world to teach us how we are supposed to be. At 11 years old, a death sentence for him, and the thing he wants most is to help others…just imagine if we all had that giving spirit, how wonderful the world would be. Brenden, I will not cry although it’s hard not to but I won’t because you asked that no more tears be given to leukemia and I will honor your wish. To Brenden’s mom, your son is an inspiration to us all and I am sure you will miss him so very much. What a brave, awesome son you had and what wonderful memories you have of him. he is an angel and remember he is there always for you to talk to…if I were you I would continue the tradition of remembering 3 positive things that happen each day and something that made you smile, laugh or chuckle. Today one of my positive things is that I’ve gotten to learn about your son and he will be remembered tomorrow as my family sits down to our dinner. I will make donations for the homeless and hungry not just at this time of year but all through the year and each time it will be in your son’s memory. He is truly an angel. I hope you’re having a good time as an angel Brenden!
I’m bless, i’m moved, i’m touched to know what God can do in someone’s life. Brendon is a special gift from God. And its sad to know that he has to go but neverthless its a joy to know how much lives brendon has touch even mine. Reading his story and his last wish it puts me in a position where i need to do more for God, reach out more to others in need and be more kindhearted to others. Brendon you are an inspiration. To his family i want to say be strong and of a good courage. God knows why he took Him so early have no fear continue to trust in the Lord. Thank you and God bless you all abundantly.
Agnes - Grenada
I spent 11 yrs in the army and never did i come close to seeing the heart and love of life showen by this little man. He has renewed my faith in humanity and has showen me that there is hope for this old world. You have a place in the heavens, my little friend, and it is a high one. Mom
you did good with him and now it is our turn to do good in his name. May you rest is loving peace,
may you alwayshave a smile, and may we all have a little more heart because of you.
Brenden you have done something to me that I will never forget, the tears that I shed for you are tears of sadness and of joy; your memory will live forever! I believe you are an Angel sent from above that has gone to be with God and Jesus. Brenden, I want you to know that I will continue to feed God’s children because as you said “They’re probably hungry”, “They need a chance” and yes, Brenden they do deserve a chance.
B-Man I Love You!
In His service and Yours,
David E. Gomez Sr.
Thank you Brenden. You’re an angel.