Brandon

Learn about Brandon's experience with granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Running was Brandon Hudgin’s passion. He trained and competed most of his life, but that changed in 2008, when Brandon began to suffer from sinus issues and became chronically sick. A nationally-ranked college runner at the time, he could no longer keep up with his teammates at practice or his competition at meets.

Brandon underwent surgery for a deviated septum, but his sinus issues worsened. His sinuses were swollen and covered in sores. He experienced hearing loss in his left ear, he had granulomas in his lungs and kidneys, his kidneys started to fail, and he temporarily suffered from Bell’s palsy, which caused half of his face to go numb. Brandon’s doctors tried several different methods of treatment, but his health continued to suffer.

Finally, Brandon’s rheumatologist diagnosed him with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), a rare type of blood vessel inflammation (called vasculitis) that most often affects the sinuses, lungs, and kidneys. GPA is a potentially serious disease that can reduce blood supply to vital organs and, if left untreated, can lead to kidney failure and lung complications. Because GPA is so rare, it can be difficult to diagnose initially.

Like many patients with rare diseases, he lost some friends who did not understand what he was going through. “Once the weeds were cleared out, I saw the power of my true friends and family,” says Brandon. “Building a support network is the most important thing that a rare disease patient can do.”

Despite all of the hurdles presented by his health problems, Brandon is determined not to let his disease define him. He works full-time as a coach. He created a training program to help people who are looking to better themselves, and he volunteers with the Vasculitis Foundation (VF).

In early 2016, Brandon and VF launched VF Team Brandon as part of the Victory Over Vasculitis Campaign with the goal to inspire people to do their personal best. “For some that may mean getting out of bed and walking around the house once, for others that may mean running 10 miles, or lifting 300 pounds,” says Brandon. He inspired over 300 team members through weekly exercise and awareness challenges, and in May 2017, he received the National Organization for Rare Disorders’ 2017 Rare Impact Award for his efforts.

Not one to rest, Brandon continues to inspire. He maintains his relationship with VF and has just published a book about his struggles with GPA, depression, and anxiety. As he explains it, “Not a day goes by where I don't have some sort of interaction with patients around the globe. Where there are people, I'm willing to go and share.”