Brandon Lee Dybdahl (1987-2013) passed away at the age of 26 on
April 15, 2013. He was surrounded by family and he was brave up to the final
moment.  He will be greatly missed, but will finally have peace. 

Brandon was born February 16, 1987 in Walnut Creek.  His family moved to Modesto in 2001 and he graduated from Beyer High School in 2005.  Brandon is survived by his mother and stepfather, Becky and Mark Gould, his father and stepmother, Doug and Michele Dybdahl and siblings Brittany, Keaton, and Chloe.

Brandon had a heart transplant at the age of 3. Because of one family's decision to
donate, Brandon and his family were given the gift of 23 more years together. 
Brandon was one of four of the longest living heart transplants in the world.   
 
Brandon was admitted to the hospital for the final time on March
31, 2013 in late stage heart and kidney failure due to antibody rejection. 
His body was donated to science. Over the course of his life, the Doctors have 
learned so much from Brandon's particular experiences. We believe that the purpose of Brandon's life was a sacrificial one for the betterment of transplantation. 
Transplantation is no longer consider experimental and has come so far since 
Brandon received his heart. Brandon's life was bitter sweet, but one to be honored. He is a true hero and his legacy will live on!
 
Brandon’s family would like to thank doctors, nurses, and other staff at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara for the medical care provided over the last few years. 
They also wish to thank to Dr. Starnes and the cardiac medical team at
Stanford Hospital for performing the heart transplant in 1990 that allowed
Brandon to live to age 26.  Dr. Starnes was the pioneer in heart transplants for toddlers and Brandon was among his early patients.

Brandon’s last wish was to encourage everyone to become an organ
donor.  In order to reach that goal he created this website
www.shortyboy.com

If you would like to make a contribution in Brandon's name you can do so at the California Transplant Donor Network. Brandon was an ambassador for this non profit that encourages becoming a donor.

We will miss you Brandon.  We are happy that your soul is free from pain and hospitals and may you feel the love from us all everyday!

We will be with you soon!
 
Please view the video below to see more about Brandon's Blessed Life....