Note: The Icon has followed Braylon Simon’s story since 2019. Here’s an update on Braylon’s Toy Drive, now underway. This is Braylon’s story written by his mom, who works in the Ohio Northern University physical plant.

After a year and a half of doctors, specialists, multiple tests and finally surgery, Braylon was diagnosed with Stage 3 Nodular Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in April of 2018. He was 7 at the time.

He went through four rounds of chemotherapy and in August, 2018, he was able to ring the bell!

Braylon is now back to playing baseball and football and enjoying life as any child should.

To celebrate and give back, we have started an annual fundraiser called “Braylon’s Toy Drive.”

 This is the third year that we will collect new toys for the Hematology and Oncology floors at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

Please follow us on FB at BraylonStrong to stay updated.

It is our dream to help spread awareness of Childhood Cancer, so eventually, no child will have to go through this.

New, unopened toys for all ages will be accepted until Friday, July 30. Please note that toy guns or violent video games are now allowed per Nationwide Children’s policy.

Here’s how the toy drive works, according to his parents:
New and unwrapped toys for all ages are being collected – babies to teens for boys and girls. Video games and board games can be used, but must be in excellent condition.

The drive is underway now and continues through July 30.

Last year we collected 800 toys, which included three Xboxes and several dozen Kindle Fire tablets, plus $200 in gift cards,” said Braylon’s mom.

“We would love to reach 1,000 toys and $500 in gift cards this year.”

A link on the Nationwide Children’s Hospital website has a wish list – Click here for that link.

Braylon also has a Facebook page to follow - Click here for that page.

Call or text Braylon's mom, Kayla Simon, at 419-890-7851
with any questions and to coordinate drop off or delivery of donations.