Every Sunday, members of Brandon Raabe’s family log on to Google Meet from across the country. They trade ideas, divide up tasks, and plan a walk in his memory. Along the way, the planning calls have become a chance to catch up on each other’s lives.
What began as a way to raise funds and awareness for neuroendocrine cancer research has become a weekly opportunity to reconnect. And at the heart of it is Brandon, still bringing his family together.
Brandon had a gift for making people feel loved and included. The only boy in a blended family with four sisters, he made each of them feel special. He loved soccer, travel, learning, and spending time with the people closest to him. When he died from neuroendocrine cancer in January 2021 at just 29, his family and friends began finding ways to celebrate his life while helping others facing the disease.
Their early fundraising included a gathering at a Cincinnati brewery to watch Brandon’s favorite soccer team, Tottenham Hotspur. It was a fitting tribute to someone who loved being surrounded by family and friends, and the beginning of a shared commitment to supporting research through NETRF.
After a pause in their fundraising activities, the family wanted to begin again. With Brandon’s sisters now living in different parts of the country, a virtual walk offered a way for everyone to participate.
“I thought a virtual walk would be a way to raise funds and awareness for NETRF while celebrating Brandon,” his mother, Tricia, shared.
Planning became a family effort. Madison, Paige, Laura, Bri, Bruce, and Tricia met each Sunday, with everyone contributing ideas and taking on a role that suited their talents. Alongside the event details came conversations about everyday life, giving the family a regular time to be together despite the distance.
“We all shared how our week went and the grandkids always stopped by the screen to say hello,” Tricia said.
That spirit of connection inspired the Better Together Walk, which began on Brandon’s birthday, October 2, and continues through World Neuroendocrine Cancer Day on November 10. Participants can walk wherever they live, at their own pace, while supporting neuroendocrine cancer research through NETRF. The family’s goal is to raise $10,000.
According to Tricia, more than 150 participants across 10 states have already joined. Their participation extends the circle of people celebrating Brandon and supporting research that could help patients and families have more time together.
For the Raabe family, the walk has also brought something meaningful into their own lives: a renewed Sunday tradition, shaped by the person they all miss.
“Brandon is still bringing us together and we are all so happy to celebrate him as we believe we are ‘Better Together,’” Tricia said.
Join the Better Together Walk or make a gift in Brandon’s memory.