Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
A Life That Keeps on Giving
Today has been a bittersweet day. Although we have had to let Brandon go, there is joy that has come in the mourning. Even in his passing Brandon has saved others. Just this morning his liver and kidney have been donated to two individuals in need. His heart has also been given to research and through new discoveries will go on to save countless lives.
All the way through the finish line Brandon continued to give.
All the way through the finish line Brandon continued to give.
Friday, August 20, 2010
A Life Well Lived
Brandon David Pentz, of Riverside, CA went to be with the Lord Friday, August 20, 2010 in Escondido, CA as a result of an accidental fall.
Born in Fontana, August 8, 1982, to Oran and Laura Pentz, Brandon was a beloved son and brother as well as a loyal friend. Brandon attended Riverside Christian Day School, Woodcrest Christian School, and Riverside Poly High School before earning his BA in Business Administration from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA. Brandon went on to work as a Project Manager for Pan Pacific Plumbing in Irvine and most recently as a Production Team Leader at Goodrich in Riverside. Brandon was a determined hard-worker who gave everything in all he did.
From an early age it was apparent that Brandon was a people person. He had a multitude of great friends and was always the life of the party. He loved sports, and excelled in soccer and football which he would go on to play at APU. Brandon also loved cars, new and old. In high school he and his father restored a red 1966 Chevy Chevelle Malibu together. That car was always one of his most favorite things. More than anything including cars and sports, Brandon loved and cared for every member of his family. He could often be found working with his dad in the yard, or cooking in the kitchen with his mom. When it came to moving furniture, painting houses, washing cars and even changing tires he was always there to serve. Brandon was a man who cared for others above himself, and had a way of making everyone he was around feel special and important. He was an authentic person--what you saw was what you got. He always had a smile on his face.
Brandon did everything 110%, and could often be heard saying “Go big, or go home!” He never did anything half way, including his faith. Brandon passionately pursued being a man of God. His life can be best summed up by 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” Brandon never stopped running.
Brandon will open his eyes, and see the glory of heaven. His grandparents are waiting for him, filled with joy in anticipation of seeing him again. They can't wait to hold him, and love on him. They can't wait to walk with him through the gates of heaven into an indescribable eternity. And Brandon's loving, faithful Savior has prepared an awesome welcome home party with glorious music, light, heavenly joy...and maybe a couple of venti iced green teas, no water.
Brandon's final journey has been one of heart-wrenching tragedy, and yet throughout it all, God's fingerprints have been everywhere.
So today is not about the suffering of Brandon's heartbroken family and devastated friends. It's about Brandon's lifelong faith that because he loved and served Christ, he would one day step from this life into heaven.
Brandon is survived by his parents, Oran and Laura Pentz, his sister Natalie, her husband Bryan Davis and their daughter London; Grandparents: Jack and Betty Lewis and JL Patten; Uncles and Aunts: Vic and Becky Pentz, Dave and Myrle Pentz, Darell and Verna Freeman, Larry and Sherry Clark, Charlie and Cindy Catren, Kenny Lewis, Donald and Laurie Lewis, Lynette and Jerry De Los Reyes, Steve and Carol Lewis; cousins: Melody, Audrey, Mellissa, Rachel, Sarah, Jonathan, Jessica, Amy, Heidi, Gabe, Jenna, Rodney, Carrrie, Tara, Brianna, Ashley, and Kaylyn, as well as countless friends.
The celebration service will be held at 4:00pm Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at the Grove Community Church at 19900 Grove Community Drive, Riverside, CA 92508. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sports Ministry of the Grove Community Church.
Born in Fontana, August 8, 1982, to Oran and Laura Pentz, Brandon was a beloved son and brother as well as a loyal friend. Brandon attended Riverside Christian Day School, Woodcrest Christian School, and Riverside Poly High School before earning his BA in Business Administration from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA. Brandon went on to work as a Project Manager for Pan Pacific Plumbing in Irvine and most recently as a Production Team Leader at Goodrich in Riverside. Brandon was a determined hard-worker who gave everything in all he did.
From an early age it was apparent that Brandon was a people person. He had a multitude of great friends and was always the life of the party. He loved sports, and excelled in soccer and football which he would go on to play at APU. Brandon also loved cars, new and old. In high school he and his father restored a red 1966 Chevy Chevelle Malibu together. That car was always one of his most favorite things. More than anything including cars and sports, Brandon loved and cared for every member of his family. He could often be found working with his dad in the yard, or cooking in the kitchen with his mom. When it came to moving furniture, painting houses, washing cars and even changing tires he was always there to serve. Brandon was a man who cared for others above himself, and had a way of making everyone he was around feel special and important. He was an authentic person--what you saw was what you got. He always had a smile on his face.
Brandon did everything 110%, and could often be heard saying “Go big, or go home!” He never did anything half way, including his faith. Brandon passionately pursued being a man of God. His life can be best summed up by 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” Brandon never stopped running.
Brandon will open his eyes, and see the glory of heaven. His grandparents are waiting for him, filled with joy in anticipation of seeing him again. They can't wait to hold him, and love on him. They can't wait to walk with him through the gates of heaven into an indescribable eternity. And Brandon's loving, faithful Savior has prepared an awesome welcome home party with glorious music, light, heavenly joy...and maybe a couple of venti iced green teas, no water.
Brandon's final journey has been one of heart-wrenching tragedy, and yet throughout it all, God's fingerprints have been everywhere.
So today is not about the suffering of Brandon's heartbroken family and devastated friends. It's about Brandon's lifelong faith that because he loved and served Christ, he would one day step from this life into heaven.
Brandon is survived by his parents, Oran and Laura Pentz, his sister Natalie, her husband Bryan Davis and their daughter London; Grandparents: Jack and Betty Lewis and JL Patten; Uncles and Aunts: Vic and Becky Pentz, Dave and Myrle Pentz, Darell and Verna Freeman, Larry and Sherry Clark, Charlie and Cindy Catren, Kenny Lewis, Donald and Laurie Lewis, Lynette and Jerry De Los Reyes, Steve and Carol Lewis; cousins: Melody, Audrey, Mellissa, Rachel, Sarah, Jonathan, Jessica, Amy, Heidi, Gabe, Jenna, Rodney, Carrrie, Tara, Brianna, Ashley, and Kaylyn, as well as countless friends.
The celebration service will be held at 4:00pm Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at the Grove Community Church at 19900 Grove Community Drive, Riverside, CA 92508. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sports Ministry of the Grove Community Church.
August 20, 2010
Today Brandon is going to see his Lord and Savior face to face. We are taking these last moments to be with him. We cannot begin to express our appreciation for all of your prayers and support.
One thing is for sure, Brandon is greatly loved!
One thing is for sure, Brandon is greatly loved!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Surgery Results
The second surgery went well. Brandon made it though and the pressure on his brain is down to where it should be. This is a huge answer to prayer. Right Now he is resting and in the morning he will have a follow up CT Scan. Those results will give us and indicator of what is ahead.
Be praying that Brandon will get rest and build strength and most important that the scan shows no more damage.
Be praying that Brandon will get rest and build strength and most important that the scan shows no more damage.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Pray Now
Tonight we were faced with a fork in the road. Brandon had a rough day and the pressure on his brain has remained at a high level. After consulting with his doctor and seeking other second opinions it came apparent that there were 2 options at this juncture. We could wait it out and begin to pull the machines off (hoping for the pressure to go down), or we could go back into surgery and open up the cap on the other side of the brain and relieve more pressure. Like many options there were pros and cons to both.
After prayer and family discussion we have decided to have another surgery. Right now they are rolling Brandon back into the OR. Please pray that this will not only relieve the pressure from his brain but also give him the best chance at a full recovery.
Post surgery we will be praying for movement and responsiveness. Surgery will last a few hours we will continue to update as soon as we can. Thanks again for all the love, support, and mostly the prayers.
Again…..
Pray for wisdm for the surgeon
Pray for a smooth procedure
Pray for Brandon to have strength
Pray for responsiveness
Pray for a full recovery
After prayer and family discussion we have decided to have another surgery. Right now they are rolling Brandon back into the OR. Please pray that this will not only relieve the pressure from his brain but also give him the best chance at a full recovery.
Post surgery we will be praying for movement and responsiveness. Surgery will last a few hours we will continue to update as soon as we can. Thanks again for all the love, support, and mostly the prayers.
Again…..
Pray for wisdm for the surgeon
Pray for a smooth procedure
Pray for Brandon to have strength
Pray for responsiveness
Pray for a full recovery
Pray for Wisdom
The doctors are talking about possibly doing another surgery on Brandon. Please pray for wisdom for the Pentz family to make the right decision. Also pray that they will feel confidence and peace in the decision that they make.
Update from the Doctor
Here are a few more things that we have learned over the last few hours...
• This morning's CT scan showed more damage has occurred in the frontal lobe. This means that there was more brain damage than we originally saw.
• Doctor suspected increased intracranial pressure in the frontal lobes and occipital lobes and inserted a drill into the frontal skull to decrease the pressure. This is their focus right now.
• This morning, Brandon started breathing on his own with minor assistance from the ventilator. However, due to the doctor's drilling to relieve pressure, they returned the ventilator to its original settings.
• He is taking deep breaths on his own and moving his upper extremities very slightly.
• His vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, etc.) are all pretty good right now.
• Brandon has a great gag reflex when the ET tube is suctioned.
They will do another CT scan tomorrow morning. Our prayer is that there will be no further damage.
• This morning's CT scan showed more damage has occurred in the frontal lobe. This means that there was more brain damage than we originally saw.
• Doctor suspected increased intracranial pressure in the frontal lobes and occipital lobes and inserted a drill into the frontal skull to decrease the pressure. This is their focus right now.
• This morning, Brandon started breathing on his own with minor assistance from the ventilator. However, due to the doctor's drilling to relieve pressure, they returned the ventilator to its original settings.
• He is taking deep breaths on his own and moving his upper extremities very slightly.
• His vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, etc.) are all pretty good right now.
• Brandon has a great gag reflex when the ET tube is suctioned.
They will do another CT scan tomorrow morning. Our prayer is that there will be no further damage.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Pray Request Update
Thank you all for the support. The family can feel your prayers and love! Here are a few things you can be praying for as we wait...
In case you were wondering about the title of this blog:
Brandon goes to Starbucks every day and orders 2 Venti Iced Green Teas no Water. Kinda a family joke.
- Pray for minimal brain damage from the stroke (we will know more tomorrow after the CT scan)
- Pray Brandon's blood pressure and temperature lower
- Pray that the family gets some rest
In case you were wondering about the title of this blog:
Brandon goes to Starbucks every day and orders 2 Venti Iced Green Teas no Water. Kinda a family joke.
New CT Scan
We just received news from this morning’s CT scan and there is evidence that Brandon has suffered a stroke. We do not know the extent of the stroke but we will know more later when they can follow up with another scan.
Keep praying.
Keep praying.
First Thing
Last night Brandon was hanging out with some friends in San Marcos. Around 8:35pm, he slipped and fell. Nearby friends heard the fall and rushed to see if he was ok. After quickly realizing that Brandon needed help 911 was called and he was rushed to the nearest medical facility in Escondido. Upon arrival at the ER Brandon was immediately examined and sent into emergency Brain Surgery. Due to the fall he suffered a fractured cranium and hemorrhaging in the right lobe. The surgery went as well as could be expected given the circumstance and Brandon is now being treated in the Trauma ICU. Currently his vitals are all good but he is still un-responsive.
Please Pray, for Brandon to be strong and for the Lord to protect him. If you are reading this you know that Brandon is a fighter. We have faith that God is in control and is with Brandon. We will do the best we can to keep everyone updated here on his status, but again for now the best thing that you can do is pray.
“Because he loves me says the Lord I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation. “
- Psalm 91:14 -16
Please Pray, for Brandon to be strong and for the Lord to protect him. If you are reading this you know that Brandon is a fighter. We have faith that God is in control and is with Brandon. We will do the best we can to keep everyone updated here on his status, but again for now the best thing that you can do is pray.
“Because he loves me says the Lord I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation. “
- Psalm 91:14 -16
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