Event Benefits 'Team Beefer'

Brandon Regan still has a lot of living to do. This summer, he’s been checking off items on his “bucket list,” from an up-close meeting with a Brookfield Zoo dolphin to a phone call from one of his idols to a , he’s been making the most of the time he has left.

Brandon, 25, suffers from degenerative cerebellum with ataxia of unknown origin, a disease that is causing his brain stem to shrink and gradually detach from his spinal cord.

“The outpouring of support is just amazing,” said his dad, Robert Regan. Friends and strangers alike — including celebrities — have thrown their support behind Brandon. This summer, he got a call from his favorite musician, Garth Brooks, and earlier this month, Brandon got to meet Chicago Bears star Chris “Hitman” Harris at an autograph signing in Elgin.

“I don’t know who was more excited, Brandon or Chris Harris,” Robert said, laughing. Harris has even dedicated a section of his website, www.hitmanharris.com, to Brandon, calling him “the Chicago Bears’ No. 1 fan” and blogging about their meeting.

“Meeting you was an absolute honor and a true privilege," Harris wrote. "I encourage you to never change who you are and to never wish your life to have unfolded any differently. Just because your body has slowed you down a notch, physically, doesn’t mean you haven’t already outlived most others in the world. Why? Because, even with a wheelchair that limits your ability to get around, your inspirational spirit has traveled the world and positively impacted more lives than you'll ever get a chance to meet. Nice work, my friend.”

Benefit for Team Beefer

Thanks to a network of friends — including a Facebook fan base that is in the thousands and growing — he’s coming closer to fulfilling another wish. Brandon hopes to be able to attend one of Garth Brooks’ final Las Vegas shows this fall and realize his dream of singing with the country superstar.

On Sunday, friends will host a benefit from 1 to 9 p.m. at the American Legion Harwood Post, 705 S. Larkin Ave., Joliet. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for kids ages 12 and older, and free for kids under age 12.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Team Beefer Just Smile, an organization created by the Regan family after Brandon expressed a desire to help other families facing hefty medical expenses. Named in honor of Brandon’s ever-present smile and his lifelong nickname, the organization is seeking non-profit status.

Those who cannot attend the Oct. 16 benefit can make donations on the Team Beefer Just Smile website, or drop off donations at any Chase Bank location. Checks should be made out to “Team Beefer Just Smile.”

The event will include door prizes, raffles and a 50/50 cash raffle.

“It’s all the food you can eat,” Robert added, saying the American Legion, Portillos and Romeoville’s have all stepped up to provide food.

“We’ve got tons and tons of donations,” he said. “It’s just ridiculous.”

For more information, visit the Team Beefer website or say hi to Brandon by joining his Facebook fan page.