PRESS RELEASE:
Check-6 Foundation PILOT FOR A DAY EVENT: September 17, 2021: BRAXTON FULK
12-year-old from Haymarket, VA to be the 30th Pilot for a Day at JB Andrews, hosted by the Check-6 Foundation
BASE ANDREWS, MD – At 12 years old, Braxton Fulk has more battle scars than many seasoned veterans of war. He was first diagnosed with Medulloblastoma (a malignant brain tumor) in November of 2017, when he was barely 9 years old. He underwent aggressive and difficult treatments for about 18 months, including brain surgery to try to remove the tumor. He endured pain, needles, nausea, frustration, and medical procedure after medical procedure. He even had a shunt put into his head to manage the brain fluid and pressure around his brain. Braxton was a patient at several world-renowned hospitals specializing in brain tumors including the Cancer Center at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC for routine follow up until August of last year when his tumor relapsed. Since that time, Braxton has been on a clinical trial medication and is currently receiving a regimen of oral chemotherapy drugs and is doing comparatively well. He is an incredibly brave kid--bright, funny and so appreciative for everyone who has helped him along the way. Braxton lives with his parents, Norm (a retired Air Force veteran) and Emily Fulk and his 10-year-old sister, Ainsley in Haymarket, VA.
Braxton loves outdoor activities like riding 4-wheelers, shooting BB guns, and swimming. His favorite food is Chick-Fil-A and he loves watching superhero movies and football. Ryan Reynolds is his favorite actor and Upchurch his favorite singer (along with all country music). During his morning car rides for his hospital appointments, Braxton loves listening to Bobby Bones.
On September 17, 2021, the Check-6 Foundation will honor Braxton as the 30th Pilot for a Day at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. He will experience a full day of events, visiting a number of flying and support squadrons on base, getting up close and personal with actual helicopters and airplanes. On that day, Braxton will be an honorary pilot! He will be paired up with a military pilot and Check-6 ambassador, who will be his “wingman for life”. Check-6 Vice President, George Onyenyeonwu, coordinates with the local community to provide an unforgettable experience. “We couldn’t do it without the support of our partners at the National Harbor and Prince George’s County Police Department, we are so grateful for their support!”, declared George.
Twice a year, the Check-6 Foundation, organizes and funds Pilot for a Day events for seriously ill children. Check-6 was founded in 2006 by Colonel Rob Balzano, former F-16 and VIP Airlift pilot with the DC Air National Guard. The foundation is run entirely by volunteers, ensuring that over 98% of funds raised through annual events, donations, and corporate giving go directly to aid the children and veterans served. The Check-6 mission is to provide aid, assistance, experiences, purpose, inspiration and hope to children battling serious medical conditions and military veterans in need. The foundation has helped numerous children, families, and veterans by providing direct financial aid to the wingmen they support. They were recently honored with a “Vetty” award for their contributions to veterans affected by COVID this past year. In addition, Check-6 continues to inspire others by working to make a difference in the lives of children and veterans. They certainly live up to their motto, “The Wingmen that Have Your Back!”.
To support the mission of Check-6, please visit the organization’s website at http://www.check6.org.
862-CHECK6-6 (862-243-2566) info@check6.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Check6Foundation/ Twitter: twitter.com/Check6Fndation Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) # 32760
The Check-6 Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit, CFC Approved Charity, and approved to operate on JB Andrews. It does not represent the USAF or DoD and is an independent organization. Tax ID#80-0461034