My Story: Turning Pain into Purpose
The Heart Behind RJT Foundation, Inc.
By Denise Brown, Mother of Roman Edwin Bradley
March 1, 2012, is a day that will forever remain fresh in my mind. Death is frightening and unpredictable. It has no name, age, or color. It does not discriminate or judge. It takes without warning, leaving behind immeasurable pain, tears, and unanswered questions.
At approximately 11:00 a.m., while I was at work, I received a call from my sister informing me that my 47-year-old brother, Joe, had lost his battle with cancer. Overwhelmed with grief, I left work early because I could no longer hold back my tears. I went home to rest and wait for my son, Roman, to arrive so I could share the heartbreaking news of his uncle's passing.
But before I could tell my son about his uncle, my world came crashing down a second time.
When I woke up, I received another call. The words I heard were devastating: "Get to the Jackson Trauma Center quickly; Roman has been shot."
I fell to my knees, barely able to move. My heart felt as though it had been ripped from my body. I kept thinking, Not my son, too. This cannot be real. I wanted to believe I was trapped in a nightmare from which I would soon awaken.
On that same day, I lost both my brother and my son.
I immediately began to pray. When I arrived at the trauma center, I could sense the seriousness of the situation. As I approached the information desk, I was told that a counselor would come speak with me. Instead, a doctor came forward to deliver the news no mother should ever have to hear.
A part of me still hoped Roman was alive. I wanted one more opportunity to kiss him, hold him, and tell him that everything would be all right. But I never got that chance.
Roman was my Roman Soldier—my right-hand man. He was strong, courageous, and a fighter who believed in respect. He had a good heart, loved children, and believed in the power of prayer. Roman accepted the Lord into his life at an early age, and my faith gave me comfort in knowing that he was resting safely in God's hands.
I did not question God. I asked Him to give me strength and help me endure what seemed impossible to bear.
In the days that followed, I struggled to eat and sleep. My body was weak, my heart was broken, and at times, my grief turned into anger. I could not understand how so much loss could happen in a single day. Yet, even in my darkest moments, God was placing something on my heart that I could not ignore.
Several weeks passed, and I slowly began to heal. I kept thinking about the countless families who would experience the same devastating pain of losing a loved one to violence. I knew I never wanted another mother or family to feel as alone and overwhelmed as I did. I began to understand that my pain could become a purpose greater than myself.
Eventually, I surrendered to the vision God had placed in my heart. I reached out to Renee, Trevin's mother, and shared my vision of establishing a foundation in memory of our boys. I asked if she would be willing to help create something positive from our tragedy. She said yes, and together, we began moving forward with faith, determination, and hope.
On June 16, 2012, RJT Foundation, Inc. was officially incorporated.
Turning Grief into a Legacy of Hope
For me, RJT Foundation, Inc. became another part of my healing journey. It gave me a way to honor my son while reaching out to families facing the devastating effects of violence. It became a living reminder that Roman's life mattered, his legacy would continue, and his death would not be in vain.
I thank God for blessing me with 20 beautiful years with Roman. Although our home and our lives have never been the same, I will forever cherish his laughter, his beautiful dimples, his loving heart, and the memories we shared. I believe he would be proud to know that we are working to help others and bring hope to families in need.
RJT represents the values that continue to guide our work: Respect, Joy, and Trust. Through this foundation, my goal is to offer compassion, resources, encouragement, and meaningful support to families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I want survivors to know that they are not forgotten, that their grief matters, and that they do not have to walk their journey alone.
My faith remains my foundation. I will continue to keep God first, giving Him thanks in both the happy times and the painful ones, trusting Him to guide this mission and receive all the glory.
My son will forever live in my heart. His life continues to inspire my purpose, strengthen my commitment, and remind me why this work matters.
Roman Edwin Bradley
Born: January 10, 1992
Entered eternal rest: March 1, 2012
Rest in Peace, my son. You will forever be my Roman Soldier. Your life was a blessing, your memory is a treasure, and your legacy will live on through every life we touch.
With love and faith,
Denise Brown
Founder, RJT Foundation, Inc.
Restoring Joy & Trust, one life, one family, and one community at a time.
