Brandon Flores

On Monday, September 1, 2008 the Lord called another of His chosen children home, our son Brandon Flores, to be with him for eternity. Brandon was a brave soldier and fought a good fight in his war against Leukemia. He was prepared to step over the threshold where there would be no more pain, no suffering and to join his loved ones that preceded him. Stella Barrio and Rick Flores were blessed with the precious gift of Brandon for seventeen years, he was born May 21, 1991 to them here in Las Cruces, NM. An active boy and with a heart of gold, Brandon started his war as a kindergartner at Hillrise Elementary. After three years of meds and chemo Brandon won his first battle and sent his Leukemia into a deep remission. He was without medication for over two years before being called to battle once again. Being a strong young man full of fight, Brandon again won this two-year hard fought battle by sending his Leukemia into an even deeper remission. For four years Brandon remained in remission attending middle school at Sierra Middle School and high school at Las Cruces High School. He even took a job at Albertson's to pay for his dream Jeep and insurance. He had just celebrated his seventeenth birthday and was just getting ready to become a Junior when his Leukemia came back once again full force. Brandon was told he needed to have a bone marrow transplant, and that he must get back on chemo until a match was found. After many loving and giving people gave their time and love to be tested as match, one was found for Brandon. On September 1, 2008 Brandon his mom and dad and family took him to the Las Cruces International Airport to board a Air-Evac Plane to the Albuquerque UNM Children's Cancer Center to help prepare him in his battle for his future bone marrow transplant. In the air, above New Mexico, with his mother by his side, Brandon lost this battle with A.L.L. Leukemia, and was retuned home to be greeted by his dad, siblings and family. The war however, was won! The lessons that Brandon taught to all, the many hearts and lives he touched, his strength and golden heart that will never be forgotten and will carry us on through the years. Brandon showed with his smile that no matter the odds, the pain or the fight, never give up. He is survived by his mother, Stella Bario; Father, Richard M. and Shawna Flores; five sisters Marciella Rodriguez, Tanisha Flores, Alejandra Flores, Tatum Flores, and Bella Flores all of Las Cruces, NM; grandmother, Mercy Rodriguez of Deming, NM. He is also survived by a niece and a nephew, many cousins, uncles and aunts, and family and friends especially Justin and Mark. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Felix Flores; his material grandparents, Sammy, Sr. and Esther Barrio; and uncle, Sam Barrio Jr. who is sure to be bringing humor and laughter to Brandon's heart. A visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Sunday September 7, 2008 at Getz Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM Monday September 8, 2008 at the Getz Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation and a private family burial will follow. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Children's Cancer Fund of New Mexico in Brandon's name. (112 14th Street SW