Brian E. Bratcher, age 56 of Philadelphia, PA departed this life on October 21, 2019. Service: Thursday, October 31, 2019 11:00 am at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, 426 W. Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380 Viewing: 9:00 am-11:00 am Interment: Rolling Green Memorial Park, West Chester, PA Arrangements: Earl L. Foster Funeral Home www.earllfosterfuneralhome.com
Published in The Daily Local News on Oct. 29, 2019

Community mourns Brian Bratcher; run in his honor will continue
Fran Maye [email protected] Oct 27, 2019 Daily Local News
WEST CHESTER — In the end, Brian Bratcher died on his terms.

Bratcher, an outstanding Henderson High School football player who suffered a spinal cord injury in 1978 at the age of 15 during a scrimmage, died earlier this week after a brief stay in hospice.

Since his injury, the community rallied around Bratcher, and formed a fundraising event to offset medical costs called Brian's Run. During the first year, organizers hoped to gather 200 runners and raise $500, but it ended up attracting 2,000 runners and raised more than $20.000.

Now, 41 years later, Brian's Run is still popular, and funds are used to assist local residents suffering from physical mobility, visual aids and communication. This year, it will be held Dec. 8 at Henderson High School.

"In the last year and a half, my brother was struggling with a wound in his hip," said Byrin Bratcher, Brian's brother. "He was in a bit of pain and would always be going in and out of the hospital in his wheelchair. He decided to look into hospice, and I think it was a way for him to control his care."

Byrin Bratcher said Brian would do anything to help others.

"He never put things on himself, he always cared for others," he said. "Every time I saw him, he would always ask me how I was doing and what I needed. He was always concerned about others."

In a 2002 documentary, Brian Bratcher said he was devastated when doctors told him it was likely he would never walk again, but he vowed to be the best he could be.

"I was still going to be the best Brian I could be," Brian Bratcher said in the documentary. "I learned discipline with my rehabilitation, so I continued to fight to be the best person I could be both physically and spiritually."

Brian Bratcher said he was touched the first year when thousands of people turned out for Brian's Run.

"I remember seeing all the people and it's overwhelming," he said. "I had tears in my eyes. It was very emotionally to see all those people who came out to support me."

In the community, Brian Bratcher had plenty of friends, and they were saddened to learn of his passing on Brian's Run social media page.

"Brian was bigger than life and had an amazing smile and personality," said Debbie Hutton-Loyer. "He was such an inspiration to all. I remember at our graduation, the thunderous applause when he received his diploma."

Said Wendy Davis: 'He always had the brightest smile in every room he entered at Henderson."

Said Gerri Kleponis: "I will always remember his infectious smile, engaging conversation and caring and kind heart. Brian will forever be in our hearts and has definitely earned his wings."

And L. Diane Thomas: "The battle is fought and the victory is won. I can hear Jesus say glory, Well done. What an amazing man."

Byron Davis said one of the fondest memories he has of his brother is when Brian put money in a parking meter and sat in the parking space until the time was up.

"He was an awesome brother," Bryrin Bratcher said. "In the end he was tired, but he put up a great fight."

Each year, Brian's Run has attracted thousands of runners – ranging from locals to nationals and international participants — and has been called one of the "100 Great Races" by Runner's World and "Top 12 Essential Philly Runs" by Philadelphia Magazine. In recent years, the race-day activities have drawn about 3,000 participants and many spectators who spend the day volunteering and cheering on the runners.