Family, Friends Help Enid Man With Leukemia Fulfill His Wishes

An Enid man who is battling Leukemia at the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City is getting support from all across the state and the country.

Bradley Gilbert was diagnosed with Leukemia six years ago. He received bone marrow transplant on December 23, 2011, however, the disease struck him again this year, and he had to return to the hospital to receive further treatment.

Shawna Gilbert, Bradley's sister, said Bradley has decided to go home this Monday and wants to try a different treatment.

Bradley's friends are taking actions to give him all the support he needs. According Adam Steuart, Bradley has a list of people he wants to meet, including Bob Stoops, Jeff Gordan, Chuck Norris, and Megan Fox.

And one of his dreams became true this Monday. Bob Stoops, the head football coach at the University of Oklahoma, heard about Bradley's story and surprised him with a visit at the hospital Monday morning. He gave him an autographed football as a gift in hopes of cheering him on during the battle.

On June 1, Bradley received an autographed picture from actor Roberto Sanchez. Sanchez is known for his role in movie "2 Fast 2 Furious" as "Roberto."

"I admire you for your courage and your heart. Keep fighting," Sanchez wrote on his autographed photo.

Steuart said Bradley also has a list of things he would like to do, including being a sports photographer, riding a huge roller coaster, sky diving, riding a water slide, and more.

On Facebook page "Praying For Bradley Gilbert," many people from across the state and the country left messages, encouraging Bradley throughout his battle and praying for his health.

"I'm praying this very minute for Bradley. Love to all the family," Evelyn Jones wrote.

"Bradley, we are praying for you!! Mignon, Peyson, Caed, Caleb, and I love you with everything we have!! Be strong and keep your head up," Presley Reed wrote.

Bradley graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma, with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication. His friends from Alva started hosting bake sales to help raise funds for Bradley's treatment at the hospital. Angelia Case said they raised about $3,221 during Saturday's fundraiser outside Holder's Drugs in Alva.

"People Are Good. That was our thought of day on Saturday as friend after friend, young and not as young, would stop in at the NWOSU Art Society's 'Bake Sale for Bradley' in Alva. Bradley has touched lives all over this town. So many stories were told at our table on Saturday... it was amazing," Case said.

Case said they are in the process of planning a rummage sale here in Alva on June 23 at the Runnymede Hotel.

Bradley accepted a position as an assistant band director at Hennessey High School in 2011. When he returned to the hospital, on September 19, 2011, the Hennessey Band members came to the OU Medical Center and put on a special performance just for their mentor.

9/19/2012 Related Story: Hennessey Band Rallies Behind Assistant Band Director Battling Disease

News 9 was there when the band performed. Bradley was originally planning on going to the state fair that day to perform with the band before he was sent to hospital again.

Learn more about how you can help Bradley