Family Turns to High School Sports to Cope with Tragedy

After losing their teenage son to cancer, the Brande family finds solace in their eldest son's baseball career.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Brande family, devastated by the loss of their youngest son Johnny to cancer, has turned to high school sports as a way to cope with their grief. Their eldest son, Jake, a talented senior pitcher, has found solace in playing baseball for his new school, Rancho Christian, after the family moved from Palm Desert to Temecula. The Southern Section worked to resolve the family's transfer eligibility issues, recognizing the extenuating circumstances. Jake's baseball journey has become a source of inspiration and healing for the family as they navigate the aftermath of their tragic loss.

Why it matters

This story highlights the role that sports can play in providing a sense of normalcy and respite for families dealing with unimaginable loss and hardship. It showcases the compassion of the high school sports community in supporting the Brande family during their time of need.

The details

After the death of their youngest son, Johnny, to cancer in December, the Brande family moved from Palm Desert to Temecula to get a fresh start. Their eldest son, Jake, a talented senior pitcher, transferred to Rancho Christian High School. The family faced challenges with the CIF transfer requirements, but the Southern Section worked to resolve the issues, recognizing the extenuating circumstances. Jake has found solace in playing baseball, using it as a distraction from the pain of losing his brother. He struck out seven in four scoreless innings in his first start of the season.

  • In December, the Brande family lost their youngest son, Johnny, to cancer.
  • The family moved from Palm Desert to Temecula following Johnny's death.
  • On Monday, Jake Brande made his first baseball start of the season for Rancho Christian High School.

The players

Erin Brande

The mother of the Brande family, who broke down in tears during an interview about the family's move and the loss of her son, Johnny.

Jake Brande

The eldest son of the Brande family, a 6-foot-7 senior pitcher who transferred to Rancho Christian High School after the family's move. He is using baseball as a way to cope with the loss of his brother, Johnny.

Johnny Brande

The youngest son of the Brande family, who passed away from cancer in December.

Roch Cholowsky

A UCLA shortstop who wrote the initials for Johnny on his cleats, honoring the Brande family's loss.

Rancho Christian High School

The new school that Jake Brande transferred to after the family's move from Palm Desert to Temecula.

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What they’re saying

“Because everything there reminds me of Johnny.”

— Erin Brande, Mother (fresnobee.com)

“Just take it one day at a time, wake up and do whatever I had to do.”

— Jake Brande (fresnobee.com)

“It kept his mind off cancer. It helps balance a life of sadness.”

— Erin Brande, Mother (fresnobee.com)

What’s next

The Brande family will continue to support Jake as he plays baseball for Rancho Christian High School, finding solace and healing in the sport that his brother Johnny once enjoyed.

The takeaway

This story underscores the power of sports to provide comfort and a sense of normalcy for families facing unimaginable tragedy. The Brande family's resilience and the high school sports community's compassion serve as an inspiring example of how sports can help individuals and families cope with grief and find a path forward.