2019

Friends and Family,

As the 2019 Copper Triangle ride approaches on August 4th, I have exciting news to share: I will be joining the Davis Phinney Foundation (DPF) Board. I was humbled by the opportunity to apply to an organization that is near and dear to my heart, and I look forward to helping DPF continue their mission of helping people with Parkinson’s live well today.

Last year was another great success for Wild Bill’s Warriors. With your support, we were able to raise over $10,000 to support DPF (https://www.davisphinneyfoundation.org/) and The Illinois Valley Brain Injury Clubhouse (http://www.ivbiclubhouse.org/). We also kept our Match Challenge going with DPF where the first 15 Copper Triangle fundraisers to raise $500 were matched dollar for dollar by a donation from Wild Bill’s Warriors.

Personally, I’ve had a year filled with many exciting changes.

Jennie, Marie and I welcomed William John to our family on February 20. Our little guy is named after our two favorite big guys – his grandpas! Will is a smiley, happy baby that goes with the flow (for now). We have settled nicely into life as Michiganians. We have a nice yard for the kids, a beautiful lake and great neighbors. Marie has become quite the socialite having more friends than her parents due to all of her activities. It sure is fun watching her grow, learn and thrive.

Toddlerhood is a busy, busy time!

Jennie and I had the opportunity to host my extended family for a celebration of my mom’s 70th birthday in June.

It was a special time! Also, Tru Family Dental has continued to grow. We recently celebrated the 5th birthday of the company. For a fun video of that celebration click here: https://youtu.be/wmMMNzu8AGk.

The loss of my dad stung a little harder this year on Father’s Day. I miss him, and I wish he could see the life I’ve built with Jennie. I wish he could meet his grandkids. He and Marie would really get along; he would love her spunky personality.

I know that he would think baby Will is pretty special. I wish I could ask him questions as I continue on this journey of fatherhood. How did he deal with X? What did he do when Y came up? As I pondered such questions, it became clear to me that I had the answers. During our years together, my dad showed me what hard work was; he showed me how to sacrifice for those you love; he showed me how to be a good parent. There are few people in our lives who leave such a profound impact on us as our parents. Though our time was cut way too short, I’m grateful for the life lessons my dad taught me. I hope I can do the same for my kids.

Here's to a great 2019 Copper Triangle ride. Your generosity, support and kind words are always appreciated. To make a contribution to Willd Bill’s Warriors please visit http://www.wildbillswarriors.org/. As an added bonus, for any donation over $250, I will send you a custom Wild Bill’s Warriors Headsweats visor.

~Be Wild Brandon