Brandon Tyler Nalagan

Brandon Tyler Nalagan, 18 years old, of Oklahoma City, OK, passed away surrounded by family and friends on October 12, 2018 after battling leukemia for over a year. He is survived by his parents, John and Jill, and brothers, Sam and Jacob, in addition to his grandparents and a host of cousins, aunts, and uncles. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Dr. Edwin Nalagan and his aunt, Amy Minkler. He was born in Oklahoma City on January 14, 2000 at Integris Baptist Medical Center. He attended grade school St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic School in Edmond before moving on to Bishop McGuiness High School in 2014. He loved sports, played basketball and was a member of the Honor Roll throughout his schooling. He met many friends at McGuiness and in particular his beloved girlfriend, Jordan. Despite his young age he displayed the wisdom of an old soul and an equally sharp wit. He attended St. John's Catholic Church in Edmond. Brandon loved OU football and snowboarding at Angel Fire, New Mexico. He also enjoyed playing video games with his friends and just hanging out with Jordan. He enrolled at Oklahoma State University for the 2018 fall semester but his illness prevented him from attending. Regardless, the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity very graciously extended Brandon an invitation for membership. On August 10, 2017 he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) just 4 days before the start of his senior year at McGuiness, and although he had missed the vast majority of his senior year, he was still able to graduate with his friends in May. His AML was an aggressive type and required treatment at Children's Hospital of Oklahoma, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and then MD Anderson. He developed close relationships and deep respect for Dr. Srinivasan and the oncology nurses at Children's Hospital, Dr. Rubnitz from St. Jude's, and especially Dr. Kadia at MD Anderson. He battled courageously against this cruel disease in three different states but was able to return home at the end to be with family and friends. Many thanks to the doctors, nurses, family, and friends who helped support him during this very difficult time. A Mass to celebrate Brandon's life will take place at St. John's Catholic Church on October 19th at 1:00 PM. There will be a burial blessing immediately after mass at Resurrection Cemetery at 2:30. We will return to St. John's from there to celebrate Brandon's life, enjoy food, drinks, and watch videos at 3:30. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to A Chance for Hope Foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Children's Hospital Foundation.