Blog

There are moments in life when God, in His divine goodness, allows us to witness miracles that leave a lasting imprint on our minds and in our hearts.  

Sometimes, it’s a team seeded in last place defying the odds to win a championship. Other times, it’s watching a loved one recover from a devastating illness or surviving a life-threatening situation, especially when their medical team stated that the odds were not in their favor.

For me, some of the most miraculous moments have been holding each of our newborn children and grandchildren for the very first time.

These are the moments that fill our hearts with tremendous gratitude and remind us of just how blessed we are to have a loving Heavenly Father who cares for us more deeply than we can comprehend.

After my middle son graduated from college, his first nursing job was working on the transplant floor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Every day he cared for patients who were either waiting or in the process of receiving an organ donation. He witnessed families who had been anxiously waiting for "the call," come into the hospital at all hours of the day to receive a tremendous answer to their prayers.

A few years later, our St. Matthew family witnessed first hand the precious gift that an organ donation can be! In 2019, Braedon was a fifth grade student at St. Matthew when his doctors determined that he was in need of a liver transplant. To this day, I distinctly remember that surgical day as every classroom prayed for him around the clock. Unfortunately, his body rejected the first liver and a few months later, Braedon received his second liver transplant.

Seven years later, Braedon’s medical team determined that once again, he was in need of a new liver; on April 20, 2026, God answered countless prayers by providing another donor liver.

Once again, our St. Matthew students and parents served as prayer warriors during his third transplant surgery. We rejoiced to learn that the liver was a good match, but we also quickly learned that the transplant was only the beginning of another difficult chapter in Braedon’s life. Various complications have kept Braedon in the ICU at Mott Children's Hospital for more than six months. His journey has included countless surgeries, setbacks, small victories, and long days of unimaginable pain. Yet through it all, Braedon and his family have continued to place their trust in our Almighty and All Powerful God.

God's miracles may not always look the way we hope or imagine they will. Sometimes they come through the incredible generosity of an organ donor. Sometimes they are seen in the skills and compassion of doctors or nurses Sometimes they are found in the faithful prayers of people who refuse to give up. And, sometimes, miracles look like a school family coming together to show someone that he/she is loved and supported.

That is exactly the reason for our "Be the Light and Run for Braedon" Turkey Trot.

This year, we have the opportunity to be part of God's hands and feet. Together, we can help ease some of the financial burden the Breeding family has faced during these numerous months in the ICU of Mott’s Children’s Hospital. More importantly, we can remind them that an entire school family is standing beside them, praying for them, and wanting to “Be The Light” for them during this, at times, dark and difficult time.

Our “Be The Light and Run for Braedon” Turkey Trot will be held on Friday, November 13th.

On the day of the Turkey Trot, students will run laps around our soccer field. Parents are welcome to come and serve as cheerleaders.

Students are asked to collect pledges before November 13th. Forms have been distributed to classes.

Donors can give a one time donation or pledge per lap. All donations will be given to Braedon and his mom to help defray their medical and other accrued expenses throughout these six months.

Students who raise over $50 will receive a T-shirt with the above logo. Students raising over $100 have the option to select a sweatshirt or a T-shirt with the same logo.

Sometimes being the light doesn't mean doing something extraordinary. It simply means showing up, loving others, and trusting that God can use even our smallest acts of kindness to become part of someone else's miracle.

We thank you for your tremendous love and support for Braedon, and we pray this Turkey Trot will be a significant blessing for his family!

Mrs. Palka