It’s been a long, uneven road for the Southern California native, but he does everything within his power to be a shining example for other survivors.

Brain Injury Alliance Announces 2023 Man of Courage Award Recipient

Brandon Lee used to report the news on Arizona’s Family station. Since his days on-air, he has revealed his struggles trying to overcome sexual abuse, opioid addiction, and brain injury. Now, because of his ability to tell his story, many others feel more comfortable in telling theirs through the medium of art.

It’s been a long, uneven road for the Southern California native, but he does everything within his power to be a shining example for other survivors. Because of his incredible service to his community and unwavering dedication to providing a healing outlet for survivors of acquired brain injury, the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona is proud to name him their 2023 Man of Courage.

Twelve years ago in Los Angeles, Brandon Lee OD’d on crystal meth and heroin, resulting in his head slamming against the hard floor. He awoke from a coma several days later in the ER and was told by the chief surgeon he had needed surgery to stop the bleeding in his brain. Instead, Brandon raced out of the hospital, only to be later found passed out in his car, with a crack pipe beside him.

Thanks to the kind encouragement of a very special nurse, he began attending Alcoholics Anonymous, which led him to a variety of life-changing therapies that enabled him to process the effects of sexual abuse and troubled family life.

Brandon’s journey back from the depths was chronicled in his autobiography, Mascara Boy. He was clean for about 11 years, then relapsed on meth in 2021, and began experiencing suicidal ideation. Through work with his shaman, he realized he had never fully recovered from the child molestation he experienced.

On July 8, 2021, in a dream, he heard a voice tell him that the way out of his dilemma could be found in three words: studio, gallery, school. On September 28, he finished his 6:30 p.m. newscast, walked out, and never came back.

Within months, he opened his Art of the Soul studio in Phoenix to help survivors recover from their traumas. Since then, his acrylic pour classes have been a popular staple of the Brain Injury Alliance’s ArtWorks program. This abstract method allows people with no artistic background to create incredible, contemporary paintings without the need of a paintbrushes.

“This [art] style helps get the dopamine flowing so people can find joy. Rather than sitting alone in a beta state, feeling sorry for their situation, they lose sense of time and enjoy being in an alpha state. Those with trauma feel free to express themselves,” says Brandon.

During the sessions for the Brain Injury Alliance, their Survivor Engagement Coordinator Laura Johnson is on-hand to assist. “Brandon is a magnet. They know that, in many ways, his story is theirs,” she shares. “He is so enthusiastic and generous with his time and attention, people in the class can’t wait to express themselves through this very cool technique. He really is amazing, the real deal.”

For his part, Brandon is equally touched. “I was recently at a grocery store, and a woman walked up to me and said thanks for all my work in the community and saving lives. But I really don’t want the spotlight to shine on me; I’d rather put it on other people, like those in my art class, especially those showing up for the first time, afraid. They are courageous.”

He has won many awards for his work in local news, but the recognition of his work in the studio means a lot more. “I am so humbled to be receiving the Man of Courage award,” he says. “When I first opened up publicly about my trauma— surviving child sex abuse and multiple drug overdoses—I shared my story to help me heal by releasing the burden of shame that had sent my life spiraling. By speaking openly and honestly, it has freed my soul. I never thought it would have an impact on others.”

He adds reflectively, “I have never seen myself as a courageous person. I just want to help others find their way out of the dark and lead them to the light.”

More than his Emmy, Brandon believes the Man of Courage award shows he’s having an impact on people’s lives and journeys. “I want people to think I made them feel seen, heard, empathize with their pain. I want to give them hope so they can live an incredible life despite their trauma.

Brandon Lee—an inspiration to all those around him, and an inspired choice as the Brain Injury Alliance’s 2023 Man of Courage.

ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.

What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona:

• Works with Congressional Brain Injury Task Force
• Houses Arizona Brain Health Resource Center
• Hosts virtual and in-person support groups for survivors and families
• Has Statewide Opioid Use Disorder & Cognitive Impairment Response team with peer support, training, and family wraparound services
• Facilitates Brain Health Advisory Council
• Manages statewide Help Line: 888-500-9165