Brody Townsend, a beloved member of the Lakeland community, was born on March 10, 2013, and attended Lakeland Elementary School. In 2022, Brody completed the third grade with great enthusiasm and spirit. Tragically, Brody was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, in December 2021. Despite a valiant almost 7-month battle, Brody passed away in July 2022.
During his treatment, Brody received care from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis and Seattle Children’s Hospital, highlighting his family’s unwavering commitment to finding a cure for this devastating disease. DIPG, discovered in the 1920s, remains one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer, with roughly 300 diagnoses in the United States each year, most commonly affecting children between 7 and 9 years old. The median survival after diagnosis is just 11 months, with 90% of patients succumbing within 2 years.
In memory of Brody, the Townsend family has launched two initiatives. First, they have established a Family Partnership with the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation, based in Michigan. This foundation, founded by families impacted by DIPG, is dedicated to funding research and raising awareness about the disease. More information about Brody and the foundation can be found on his dedicated webpage.
Additionally, the family has created the Brave Like Brody Memorial Scholarship Endowment at the University of Tennessee. This scholarship will support future college students, with preference given to students from Lakeland. The first scholarship is set to be awarded in 2026, coinciding with Lakeland Prep’s inaugural graduating class.
In honor of Brody’s love for baseball, Lakeland Prep will host the first annual Brave Like Brody baseball game on Friday, April 12th. Proceeds from gate admissions will benefit the Brave Like Brody scholarship fund.
Furthermore, the third annual Brave Like Brody golf tournament will take place on Friday, May 3, at Colonial Country Club. The family is seeking golf teams, business sponsors, and hole sponsors for this event.
Lastly, the Townsend family will participate in the ChadTough Superhero Sprint and 6K on Saturday, May 4. This annual event, originally established in Maryland by the family of Michael Mosier, has grown into a nationwide virtual event. Participants can choose to run or walk virtually or join a local group run/walk in the Oakwood subdivision.
For more information on these events and to support the Brave Like Brody initiatives, please visit the Brave Like Brody Facebook page and the provided links for the baseball game, golf tournament, and 6K run/walk.
Together, let us honor Brody’s memory by continuing his brave fight against DIPG and supporting initiatives that bring hope to families affected by this devastating disease.
More Information and Signups
6K sign up link: Brave Like Brody-Team Brody: ChadTough Defeat DIPG Superhero Sprint & 6K (runsignup.com)
More info on 6K: Superhero Sprint & 6K – ChadTough Defeat DIPG
ChadTough info: Brody Townsend – ChadTough Defeat DIPG
