Brandon Yates is a 23-year old young man from Santa Barbara.  He recently was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma.  Translation:  Brandon is in for a long-haul battle with a very nasty form of cancer.  His initial surgery was on September 10, 2003 to remove a brain tumor.  He still has several other cancerous lesions on his brain, liver and lungs related to this condition.   He has been accepted to a clinical trial at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles for a treatment program that includes radio surgery and immunotherapy.  His first radio surgery was on September 24th.  He is scheduled for a second brain surgery in Los Angeles on October 10th, followed by immunotherapy and more radio surgery at Cedars Sinai and then chemotherapy back at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. 

 Brandon grew up in Santa Barbara.  He attended Monte Vista Elementary School and La Colina Jr. High and graduated from San Marcos High in 1999.  He attended San Diego State, but most recently was putting himself through school as an apprentice electrician while attending Santa Barbara City College.  Brandon is a well-known local athlete who has excelled in many sports.  He has recently focused his attention on surfing, enjoying considerable success in West Coast surf competition.  He is a strong and upbeat person, ready for his challenging contest with cancer.  His positive attitude, discipline and commitment to the success of the medical procedures ahead continue to inspire everyone around him.  We’re hoping this is one contest he wins hands down.