Brian Morden Foundation
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In January 2001, at the age of 16, Brian Morden was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. A bone cancer, Brian received chemotherapy and radiation treatments for little more than a year. After a brief period of remission, Brian’s cancer returned, and he passed away in February 2003 at his home, at the age of 19.
Brian was an active musician during his years at Altoona Area High School. He performed with the concert band, jazz ensemble, and orchestra. He also loved video games. During a Make-A-Wish trip, Brian chose to go to the Bungie Studios at Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, Washington. He was thrilled to meet, in person, many of the gaming design heroes he had been communicating with via email. Brian remained close to the creative team at Bungie until his passing.
During his illness, Brian was able to connect daily to friends from all over the world who enjoyed some of the same games and computer ideas. The importance of the Internet to Brian cannot be overstated. Brian was accepted to Penn State University and was planning to major in Film and Digital Media Production and Editing.
Brian’s love of life and courage in battling cancer was an impetus for his parents and brother to create the Brian Morden Foundation (BMF) in 2003. The goals of the BMF are to:
- Fund research for childhood cancer
- Support patients, parents, and staff of the pediatric oncology units
- Award Brian Morden Memorial higher education scholarships
The Brian Morden Foundation continues to be active today. With activities and events throughout the year, the BMF works to achieve the organization’s goals. Brian’s legacy lives through the lives of others every day.
Share this Story!
Brian Morden Foundation
In January 2001, at the age of 16, Brian Morden was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. A bone cancer, Brian received chemotherapy and radiation treatments for little more than a year. After a brief period of remission, Brian’s cancer returned, and he passed away in February 2003 at his home, at the age of 19.
Brian was an active musician during his years at Altoona Area High School. He performed with the concert band, jazz ensemble, and orchestra. He also loved video games. During a Make-A-Wish trip, Brian chose to go to the Bungie Studios at Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, Washington. He was thrilled to meet, in person, many of the gaming design heroes he had been communicating with via email. Brian remained close to the creative team at Bungie until his passing.
During his illness, Brian was able to connect daily to friends from all over the world who enjoyed some of the same games and computer ideas. The importance of the Internet to Brian cannot be overstated. Brian was accepted to Penn State University and was planning to major in Film and Digital Media Production and Editing.
Brian’s love of life and courage in battling cancer was an impetus for his parents and brother to create the Brian Morden Foundation (BMF) in 2003. The goals of the BMF are to:
- Fund research for childhood cancer
- Support patients, parents, and staff of the pediatric oncology units
- Award Brian Morden Memorial higher education scholarships
The Brian Morden Foundation continues to be active today. With activities and events throughout the year, the BMF works to achieve the organization’s goals. Brian’s legacy lives through the lives of others every day.
