Branden Lombardi, 24, was initiated into Kappa Sigma in December of 2000. In the midst of battling bone cancer in both his leg and lungs, Kappa Sigma was a haven for Branden, away from chemotherapy treatments, surgeries and long hospital stays. The strong bonds of the brotherhood helped Branden through his grueling cancer treatments, especially when he was forced to stay at The University Medical Center in Tucson for more than a month undergoing a Stem Cell Transplant.
While fighting his own battle with cancer, Branden Lombardi was intent on helping his fellow cancer patients. In 2001, Branden founded The Branden Lombardi Foundation, a non-profit organization located in Phoenix, Arizona. The Foundation focuses on its mission of “improving the quality of life for cancer patients today.” The Foundation’s flagship fundraiser is an annual golf tournament, Chip In To Fight Cancer, which in six years has raised over $200,000 that has gone to benefit cancer patients of all ages across the state of Arizona. Recently, The Branden Lombardi Foundation was one of seven non-profit organizations in the state of Arizona recognized and honored with a donation from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. The donation stemmed from a settlement of a class action lawsuit affecting cancer patients and their families.
Today, Branden is cancer free, and moving forward with his life. He is an associate with Scottsdale based Arizona Land Advisors, a land brokerage firm where he specializes in master planned communities and large acreage properties. He attends Arizona State University, where he continues to pursue his degree in Political Science. Branden and his fiance, Celeste Craven, are to be married on November 5, 2005.
The Branden Lombardi Community Service Award is awarded to the active who has demonstrated better than any member a commitment to community service.
Recipients
David Suiter ’96
Samuel Chang ’00
John Salmon ’00
Branden Lombardi ’01
Tim Vega ’03
Tyler Maly ’05
Jeff Schlaak ’05
Brian Nagy ’06
This roster is incomplete and missing the names of award recipients, please email us at kappasigma@gamma-rho.org with any additions or corrections.
