Some of you may remember seeing a young woman named Brandy working in housekeeping during your time at ACE. Like so many of our sponsored children, Brandy was truly a success story.
In 2019, at just 16 years old, Brandy was recommended to our program through Edgehill School Of Special Education. Through the support of sponsorship and her own determination, she earned her housekeeping certification and became a deeply loved member of our staff family.
Brandy and her mother were the primary breadwinners for their household, helping care for her blind father and her brother, who is also a special needs student. Tragically, after suffering a broken femur from a fall at home in June of last year, doctors discovered Brandy had bone cancer. Sadly, she passed away in November 2025.
What many may not have known is that Brandy was also one of Jamaica’s most accomplished Special Olympians, earning both gold and bronze medals in competition. In March 2019, she traveled to Abu Dhabi to represent Jamaica in the Special Olympics World Games, where she proudly brought home a bronze medal in the 200 meters and a gold medal in the 4×400-meter relay.
Brandy’s life was a beautiful reminder that worth is not defined by limitations or circumstances. She overcame obstacles with determination, brought joy to those around her, and represented her country with excellence. We are grateful to have known her, and her story continues to inspire us to see the potential, dignity, and God-given value in every child we serve. Her legacy lives on as we continue our apprenticeship sponsorship program, providing job training to special needs students who will soon graduate. Our hope is to add two additional young adults to the program in July. The apprenticeship program invests in the lives of special needs young adults as they learn work experience and life skills, as well as benefit from mentorship. If you are interested becoming a sponsor for our apprenticeship program, click the button below or contact Amber@acexperience.org.
