Brandon Glazier, a 32-year-old father of two from Gravesend, married his partner Rianna on October 15 at Knowle Country House in Higham, after being told he has around 12 months to live. Despite his poor health, Brandon managed to cut the cake and enjoy a first dance with his bride on what Rianna described as "such a special day."
Cancer Diagnosis and Spread
Brandon was diagnosed with paraganglioma tumours after repeatedly visiting his GP with what was thought to be muscle pain. On New Year's Day in 2015, his hip shattered as the cancer had eaten "away at his leg." Since then, he has undergone two hip and femur replacements and several rounds of radiotherapy.
Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours that grow outside the adrenal glands, developing from nerve tissue bundles along blood vessels and nerve pathways between the base of the skull and the pelvis.
Wedding and Family
Rianna said Brandon had been told from the beginning that he would never be cured, with treatment aimed at prolonging his life. The pair met in 2019, became a couple the following year, and got engaged on Christmas Eve the next year. They have two sons: four-year-old Hunter and 14-month-old Reggie.
Rianna said: "Being a dad means everything to Brandon, our boys are his reason to keep going. He loves them and they give him the determination to keep strong as much as he can."
Health Decline and Support
Brandon has been in and out of the ellenor hospice in Gravesend since February and has undergone three operations this year due to compression tumours. He has also contracted sepsis. Around six weeks ago, he was told the cancer had spread to his bones, lymph nodes, pelvis, neck, and jaw, and that he had around 12 months to live.
Rianna, 30, said: "It's pretty much gone everywhere. The news has, of course, been taken hard, but both families have been great support."
After learning about his prognosis, the couple decided to marry as soon as possible. Rianna described the wedding day: "It went as lovely as it could have done. Brandon managed to stand to do our cake cutting and our first dance. He did so well, I am beyond proud of him."
Wishes and Fundraiser
Brandon's biggest wish is to spend as much time as possible with his family over the next year. He is currently receiving care at ellenor but hopes to return home soon. The family has set up a GoFundMe to help enjoy days out together. Rianna said the money raised so far helped make the wedding possible, adding: "We are now raising our goal for a mini-moon. We want to make as many memories as a family as possible for our boys to enjoy their time with their daddy. He is their hero."
Rianna added: "People have been so kind. It's just amazing, it's hard to find words. We are so grateful, truly. Anyone who knows Brandon and has the pleasure to know him knows how special he truly is. He is one of a kind and deserves only the very best."
