Rose Tattoo

Life is a countdown, and for Brendan Davies, that time is running out. Born with an extremely rare congenital heart defect, he was just 2 months old when he had his first open-heart surgery, received a heart transplant before his second birthday, and was just shy of turning 8 when he had to fight a cancer diagnosis. At 16 years old, the tough-as-nails warrior is living with a final diagnosis: stage 3 coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV), an irreversible, terminal heart disease.

“He has always had a swagger about him that belies how very sick and close to death he’s been many times over the years,” said his mother, Genevieve Davies, and joked, “His health is just a pesky bother that is below him to worry about.”

Rather than suffer endless poking, prodding and testing, Brendan has chosen to check the boxes on his bucket list instead, and renowned tattoo artist Bubba Irwin recently helped tick one of those boxes with a rose tattoo.

This summer at an Arizona-based Big D Media sports gym, Irwin set up shop inside a boxing cage to tattoo Brendan’s chest with a custom rose, a dagger plunging through the pistil, serving as a resilient stem. “He’s always loved the song ‘Rose Tattoo’ by the Dropkick Murphys since his older brother Wesley turned him onto it years ago,” Genevieve explained. “He added a dagger because that symbolizes strength, and the marigold symbolizes hope. The rose to him symbolizes the beauty and pain of life.”

While getting tattooed, Brendan received a surprise video message from country music star Kane Brown. “What’s up, Brendan? This is Kane,” the two-time RIAA Diamond-certified winner announced. “I just heard you’re a big fan. Just want to say, love you, dude. And I heard you’re getting a tattoo by our boy Bubba. I hope he don’t mess it up — don’t let him mess it up. And God bless you.”

Brendan bravely battled the pain from the pulsating needle, but was noticeably relieved, exclaiming, “Oh, hallelujah!” when the artwork was finished. “It was a painful process, like everything that precedes good things in life, but I’m glad I actually committed to getting my tattoo,” Brendan shared. “It looks good, and my friends were impressed.”

Brendan was 8 years old when he begged his mother to stop the “torture” of medical care and asked to switch to palliative care. “Brendan wants to go out on his own terms,” Genevieve shared. “Honestly, that freedom (of palliative care) has allowed him to thrive and meet a lot of his bucket list dreams.”

Since starting his bucket-list journey, Brendan has earned his brown belt in karate, gone axe throwing, started a chess club at his high school, and attended Winter Formal with his girlfriend. He has had countless adventures with the Powerfully Positive Project, including Muay Thai sessions on the beach, caring for horses, learning to operate a fire hose with firefighters, and racing go-carts.

“Brendan is a defiant teenage boy who will squeeze every last ounce of joy out of life until he drops — probably walking to class at school for maximum group trauma bonding, because Brendan is nothing if he isn’t including others in his chaos,” Genevieve joked, but added with sincerity, “He’s been such a light in this world and continues to show everyone he meets how you’re supposed to live with joy, a heart for fun, and a strong will.”

Whether monumental or minor, tattoos tell the wearer’s story. From souvenirs to tragedy and triumph, ink is a badge on the body that stays with you throughout your lifetime. And stays with loved ones through eternity.

To contribute to Brendan’s GoFundMe, visit gofundme.com/f/support-brendans-peaceful-journey.