As Branden undergoes daily treatment, the couple draws strength from their faith and a community that has rallied around them.
SALADO, Texas — What began as a persistent migraine turned into a life-changing diagnosis for Branden Newman, a beloved member of the Salado community who was recently diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.
Branden and Joanna Newman’s love story reads like something out of a movie. The couple first met at ages 13 and 11 during a camping trip, became high school sweethearts, and have now been married for 18 years. But their fairy tale took an unexpected turn in May 2025 when Brandon’s week-long migraine led to devastating news.
“Branden had a migraine for six days. He’s always had migraines, but this one was different because it lasted so long and he was nauseous and the light was really bothering him,” said Joanna Newman, who works in the medical field in Temple.
After Branden failed to answer her calls on the seventh day of his migraine, Joanna sent his brother, Ryland, to bring him to the emergency department.
“My boss came and got me out of the OR and told me that they found a mass on Branden and I lost it,” Joanna recalled.
The diagnosis was glioblastoma, specifically the giant cell variant — the fourth most aggressive type of brain cancer and so rare that limited documentation exists for treatment protocols.
“It’s rare enough that there’s not a lot of documentation on it, so we’re just always trying stuff, I guess,” Branden said.
Branden underwent a craniotomy on May 8, where surgeons were able to remove approximately 90% of the tumor. However, the remaining portion was wrapped around his middle cerebral artery, a critical blood vessel in the brain.
“His blood vessel spasmed, so his brain lost oxygen for a little period of time and that’s why he’s had the left leg and arm weakness, which is getting better,” Joanna explained.
Branden is currently undergoing intensive treatment that includes daily chemotherapy and radiation for six weeks through July 31st, followed by weekly chemotherapy sessions for six months.
The couple initially attempted to get Brandon into clinical trials but were unsuccessful.
“We prayed that if the doors were supposed to open for that clinical trial that they would, and they didn’t, so we’re just trusting Him,” Joanna said.
What has perhaps been most remarkable about the Newman family’s journey is the overwhelming response from their Spring Creek neighborhood and the broader Salado community.
“I cannot do this without the support of my community here in Salado,” Branden said. “Spring Creek, our neighborhood here, it’s just been absolutely solid. There’s a lot of good in this world and right here in Salado is a proven point that humanity is still really good.”
Neighbors immediately organized meal trains, bringing breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the family. The community has also organized “Boot Out Cancer” fundraising events to help cover mounting medical expenses.
For Branden, who spent years giving back to his community through his business and volunteer work, accepting help has been a humbling experience.
“I’m usually the person I like to give. I don’t like to receive,” Branden admitted. “But my friends are like, ‘Dude, stop thinking about this. You need to focus on getting better. We got you.'”
Throughout their ordeal, the Newmans have leaned heavily on their faith and each other. Brandon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset during treatment.
“You gotta keep a very strong mind. You can’t let yourself get into a mental state of like I’m giving up,” he said. “I’ve got family, I’ve got a wife, I’ve got things I’ve gotta stay strong for.”
Joanna echoes the role that faith plays in their journey.
“I think faith is the big thing that kind of carries you in these moments where you don’t understand why it’s happening or what the overall plan is — just believing that God wants the best for you,” she said.
Despite the uncertainty that lies ahead, the Newmans remain focused on what they can control: staying strong, supporting each other, and accepting the love of their community.
“As soon as we got married, she got sick and then I took care of her and that was a roller coaster. First year of marriage was a test and we powered through and just came together as a team and overcame that,” Branden reflected. “We’ll overcome this too.”
Their advice for others facing similar challenges is simple: stay engaged with your community and don’t be afraid to lean on others.
“Just be really good to your community, give back,” Branden said. “You know, just be giving, loving, caring to your community because you’ll reciprocate that back. Get involved in your community. It’s very important.”
The Branden BOOT OUT BRAIN CANCER is Friday, June 27th, 2025, at Johnny’s Outback in Salado. All proceeds from ticket purchasing, auction, raffle and silent auction go directly to Branden Newman.