Thankful for a Little Hero Named Branson 

As I reflect on the people I’m most grateful for this year, one name stands above them all—11-year-old Branson Blevins, lovingly known as “Hollywood.” Six weeks ago, this bright light left our world, and though his time was short, his impact is eternal.

Branson fought leukemia with a strength and joy that most of us can only dream of. His smile, even in the face of unimaginable battles, shone brighter than any obstacle. His parents carried him from Houston to Rome, searching for hope, and through sheer will, he beat cancer. But just when we thought he had conquered it all, an adenovirus gently called him home to Heaven.

In his short years, Branson became a beacon of courage, love, and unwavering faith. He showed us all what it means to fight fiercely for family and to hold onto hope, no matter how dark the road may seem. He lived every day with a heart full of strength and a spirit full of light.

If I could name a Person of the Year for 2025, it would be Branson—the boy who taught us to Live Like Branson.

His legacy lives on in every person whose life he touched. Branson was, and always will be, a hero in every sense of the word. His courage is a reminder to us all to live with heart, to fight with love, and to never, ever give up.