On October 29, 2011, Brandt was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor, a pediatric kidney cancer. Because it had metastasized to his lungs, it was a stage 4 cancer. He was just 7 years old and looking forward to trick or treating. Brandt spent Halloween recovering from the first of several surgical procedures. When the tumor was removed in January 2012, it was determined that Brandt had a form of Wilms Tumor that is more resistant to chemotherapy and required more aggressive treatment. What should have been 6 months of treatment turned into 21 months of chemotherapy, radiation treatments, 6 months of anticoagulant therapy for a blood clot, numerous blood and platelet transfusions, several hospital stays due to complications, as well as, weekly outpatient visits to the Costas Center at Cardinal Glennon Hospital. On July 23, 2013 Brandt received his Angel Wings. He fought courageously, without complaint. He was, and still is, an inspiration to anyone who met him.