The journey of one mother transforming her deepest sorrow into a beacon of hope and awareness
BY KARYN BRODSKY
Losing a child is perhaps the most heart-wrenching experience for a parent, leaving them grappling with profound grief. How does a grieving parent navigate life after such an immense loss?
For Angie and David Rogers from Richardson, the challenge is palpable. Despite their sorrow over the tragic drug overdose of their 24-year-old son, Brandon, they have channeled their pain into a mission. Together with Brandon’s twin sister, Blair McCurdy, they are fervently working to raise awareness about substance abuse and advocate for a sober lifestyle among youth.
Angie, who works as a veterinarian, reflects on her son Brandon, affectionately known as “Bubba.” He was adored by his family, cherished by friends, had a soft spot for animals, and enjoyed sports, particularly basketball and golf. As a child, Brandon was a “church kid,” who appeared to tread the path of righteousness before succumbing to the challenges of drug addiction. The chain of events began during high school with alcohol use, which escalated to painkillers and eventually heroin, taking the family on a harrowing journey through drug abuse and rehabilitation.
In an attempt to educate Brandon about the dangers of alcohol, his parents sent him to a Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) impact meeting after discovering him drinking. They hoped this exposure, along with attending an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting and speaking with local police, would change his path. Unfortunately, these efforts fell short as Brandon’s substance abuse spiraled out of control.
The alarming reality hit Angie when Brandon was arrested in high school for purchasing Adderall. He entered rehab during the summer leading into his senior year, experiencing a brief window of recovery. Although Angie fought to keep him at Plano East for his final year, she later lamented not being aware of Serenity High School (SHS), part of the McKinney Independent School District, which serves as a sanctuary for students who have completed rehab. To spread awareness about this vital resource, Angie joined the SHS board.
After his senior year, Brandon underwent a tonsillectomy, a routine procedure that, for adults, can pose complications. He was prescribed hydrocodone, marking a turning point toward dependence on drugs.
Brandon enrolled at Blinn College in Bryan, TX, with aspirations to transfer to his dream school, Texas A&M. However, the college atmosphere proved challenging for someone battling addiction, particularly because neither institution had a collegiate recovery program at that time. His journey fluctuated from rehab centers and the Salvation Army to the streets before he eventually found the 24 Hour Club in Dallas, a sober living community. Angie even initiated a weekly prayer group nearby to stay close to him during this tumultuous period.
In 2014, life took a turn when Blair, also a veterinarian and Texas A&M alum, became engaged and Brandon learned of his girlfriend’s pregnancy. He struggled with the choice of putting his child up for adoption but ultimately participated in selecting the adoptive parents for his son, Brennan.
Tragically, in the fall of 2015, the death of a friend from an overdose reignited Brandon’s drug use. On November 3, 2015, at just 24 years old, he was found dead from a heroin overdose.
A grief-stricken Angie quickly transitioned into advocacy. A close friend set up a scholarship at Texas A&M in Brandon’s honor, intending to support a student involved in a collegiate recovery program. When she discovered that no such program existed, she spoke to the university president, and by 2016, efforts were underway to establish one. “I’m immensely proud of the A&M community,” Angie states. “They’re brilliant individuals who are committed to recovery.” She actively participates in expanding recovery resources at the university.
Angie’s advocacy doesn’t stop there; she is involved with the Friends of 24 Board at the 24 Hour Club and shares her insights with parents and students about the dangers surrounding drugs and alcohol. She emphasizes the significant disparity in recovery rates between young men and women, with young men being more prone to substance abuse due to developmental factors. Angie maintains communication with recovery students at Texas A&M and continues to connect with Brandon’s friends at the 24 Hour Club and Salvation Army. “The individuals in recovery inspire me every day with their perseverance,” she asserts.
Brandon’s son, Brennan, and his family have become integral to the Rogers’ lives, reconnecting after Brandon’s funeral and maintaining regular visits.
Angie notes that substance abuse can affect anyone, even those who seem unlikely. She acknowledges that engaged parents can still overlook the signs of addiction. “I was an involved parent, yet it still happened. If it could happen to us, it can happen to anyone,” she stresses. “I refuse to allow this pain to be in vain. If I can make a difference for even one parent, I call that a success.”
Through her relentless efforts to honor Brandon’s legacy, support her community, and advocate for those affected by addiction, we proudly present Angie Rogers with our Very Inspiring Parent award.
