Braylee Epperson named 2026 Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award winner
The teen was honored at the 2026 Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide, hosted by the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday
When 11-year-old Braylee Epperson began experiencing intense stomach pain that she described as “feeling like I was exploding from the inside,” her parents feared she may have appendicitis and took her to the Emergency Room at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. After an examination, the doctors expressed concerns about a possible tumor and recommended emergency, exploratory surgery to better assess Braylee’s condition.
When the results finally came back, Braylee was diagnosed with a malignant mixed germ cell ovarian tumor, a rare, aggressive type of cancer that is a combination of two or more types of germ cell tumors.
After meeting with the hospital’s oncology team immediately following the diagnosis, Braylee had a port installed and began chemotherapy. After enduring several rounds of chemo and spending her 12th birthday at Nationwide Children’s, Braylee completed her treatment plan in January 2024. Just a few weeks later, the family received the wonderful news that the scans showed no sign of the tumor and no further treatment was needed.
Now 14 years old, the eighth grader who aspires to be either a family physician or pediatric psychiatrist has a message of encouragement for anyone facing health challenges. “Keep going. You will get there. You’re in the tunnel, and the tunnel might be long, but it doesn’t stay dark forever.”
Braylee’s courageous spirit was celebrated at the 16th annual Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide, where Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, along with son Jack II and his wife Alli, announced Braylee as the 2026 Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award recipient. The award honors a patient champion who has shown strength and positivity in the face of adversity. The recognition is a highlight of the Legends Luncheon, an annual event hosted by the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, that showcases the Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation alliance.
“Stories like Braylee’s reinforce why Nationwide is proud to support Nationwide Children’s Hospital and its commitment to ensuring that children and families receive exceptional care when they need it most,” said Ann Bair, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Nationwide.
This year’s event raised $1.5 million for the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital alliance, bringing the 16-year total to nearly $18 million. All proceeds of the Legends Luncheon directly benefit the young patients and families that Nationwide Children’s compassionately serves each day.
Learn how you can support the work being done at Nationwide Children's Hospital.