Brayden Simpson calls himself a heart warrior. He also is a warrior with a very big heart. The 9-year-old from Hiram was born with congenital heart disease and has had a pacemaker most of his life. Although there are things that Brayden can’t do, like play sports, he focuses on the things that he can, like break dancing. And supporting causes that help other kids facing serious health issues. Among his many efforts, Brayden is an ambassador and raises money for Make-A-Wish Georgia, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. He also does speaking engagements to help raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which includes Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. In mid-August, Brayden is scheduled to undergo his third heart surgery at Children’s, this time to replace the battery in his pacemaker. Until then, this warrior with a heart will be working on behalf of other child warriors.
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: My name is Brayden but I go by "Nugget."
Q: What grade are you in?
A: I'm homeschooled and I'm in the fourth grade.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: I have a baby brother and a toddler brother and a big sister.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: I like dancing and telling jokes. I like playing Minecraft and Roblox with my brother.
Q: What is your favorite joke?
A: I just made this one up. Do you know why they wanted to get rid of eBay? Because it is for-BID-den.
Q: What is up with your health?
A: I was born with a hole in my heart. I have a pacemaker.
Q: What does the pacemaker do?
A: It helps me stay alive. It helps my heart beat and basically kicks it to work.
Q: What things can’t you do?
A: Play sports, put my iPad too close to my stomach, walk through metal detectors, be near magnets.
Q: Why can’t you do those things?
A: Because I have a pacemaker and the magnet would hurt my body.
Q: What things do you like to do?
A: Dancing, singing, karaoke, telling jokes, stories, imagination, sarcasm.
Q: Were you born sarcastic?
A: No, I was born hungry all the time.
Q: Do you think sarcasm helps you handle life?
A: Yep, because everyone needs to laugh for a while.
Q: A lot of people might feel sad about having to deal with health challenges. Do you ever get sad?
A: I do.
Q: How do you get yourself out of your sadness?
A: Playing with my brothers and sister and talking to my parents.
Q: Are you scared about your upcoming surgery?
A: No. I'm just going to go to sleep and wake up faster.
Q: How do you feel about doctors?
A: They watch over me. They are so nice and awesome.
Q: How do you try to help other kids who are sick?
A: I sometimes show them my scar and I try to make them happy. I will make friends with them and we will play together.
Q: What do you do for the Georgia Make-A-Wish Foundation?
A: I raise money and dance. I wished to go on a Disney cruise. I went on one to the Bahamas.
Q: Why should people support Make-A-Wish Foundation?
A: Because they are amazing. They help kids like me. A wish makes kids happy and feel awesome.
Q: What do you do for the Children’s Miracle Network hospitals?
A: I help, I talk, I dance and I raise money. They help kids and help my hospital, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Without God and my hospital, I wouldn't be doing so well today.
Q: How does it make you feel to support these efforts on behalf of other kids?
A: Amazing to be making the world a better place.
Q: What do you want kids who are dealing with serious health issues to know?
A: That they are in good hands and God is always by them.
For more on Brayden’s efforts: www.facebook.com/Atlantanugget
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