“He’s just a kid,” I kept telling myself as I heard the news last night. Sadness washed over me, but so did inspiration, drawn from the Roberts family’s unwavering faith. After a week that had tested every ounce of patience and endurance — a week filled with flight delays, rescheduled appointments, and anxious waiting — the call finally came. It was from Will Roberts’ doctor at MD Anderson Medical Center in Houston, a call that would bring the family face-to-face with the next challenge in a battle they had known all too well.
Fourteen-year-old Will Roberts returned home last night to Ralph, Alabama. His parents, Jason and Brittney, drove him from Houston after two days of scans and tests. Just months ago, Will had undergone a knee amputation on his left leg due to bone cancer. It was a procedure that changed his life, but Will faced it with courage that seemed far beyond his years. For a brief moment, hope had flourished — a chance to regain mobility, to walk again, to breathe just a little easier.
But last night, that fragile calm was interrupted. Brittney recounted the moment her phone rang, the worry already tightening her chest as she answered while still unpacking from the trip. The words from the surgeon hit hard. Will had new spots in his body — two minor ones, and another, more serious, in his pelvic region. The surgeon explained that the cancer had moved outside the bone, involving soft tissue. Brittney’s stomach sank at the thought: this meant bigger surgery, a more complex procedure, and yet another mountain to climb.
Even in the face of heartbreak, the Roberts family held fast to faith. Brittney shared her thoughts, giving the world a glimpse into the strength it takes to navigate such news. “Watching him walk again on two legs just days ago, I thought maybe we’d finally get to breathe,” she said. “And now here we are again, holding onto faith, clinging to hope, and trusting God with what feels impossible.” The family’s plan is now twofold: cryoablation will freeze the two smaller spots in his femur and hip, while the larger soft tissue tumor will require a more serious surgery. It’s daunting, it’s frightening, and yet the family moves forward with trust in God’s guidance.
What stands out in all of this is Will himself. Despite the intensity of treatments, the surgeries, and the uncertainty, he faces each moment with humor, grit, and a kind of peace that is almost impossible to describe. His mother marvels at his resilience: “Will amazes me. He faces every new hit with humor, grit, and a kind of peace I can only pray to have.” Even in the shadow of devastating news, Will’s courage shines, inspiring those around him to keep believing in miracles and the power of prayer.
For Jason and Brittney, the emotional weight is compounded by loss. Twelve years ago, they lost their daughter Darby Kate at just 68 days old due to heart complications. The grief never leaves, and now, as they navigate another critical chapter with Will, their faith is tested like never before. Yet they continue to lean on God, on each other, and on the strength they have built together. Brittney described the exhaustion, the mental strain, the emotional toll — the kind of fatigue that makes prayer feel almost impossible. Yet she keeps trusting: “I’m still faithful. I’m not angry. I still put my trust in God.”
The family is preparing for two major surgeries: one on Tuesday to remove the cancer in Will’s soft tissue and another on Thursday to address the spots in his femur. For any family, such a schedule would be terrifying. For the Roberts, it is another test of endurance, patience, and faith. And yet, even in the face of fear, they find small anchors of hope. They cherish every laugh, every step Will takes, every moment of ordinary life that reminds them of resilience, love, and perseverance.
Will’s story is a testament to the strength of a child and the power of a family united by faith. He embodies courage in its purest form — not the absence of fear, but the ability to face it every day with determination and a positive spirit. And his parents, Jason and Brittney, embody the quiet, steadfast strength of those who refuse to give up, even when the weight of the world presses down.
As the Roberts prepare for the coming week, filled with hospital stays and complex procedures, their story serves as a reminder to all of us: life may deliver unimaginable trials, but hope, faith, and family can provide the courage to meet them head-on. Each prayer, each gesture of support, and each moment of resilience builds a bridge over fear and uncertainty, carrying Will and his family toward every possible victory.
Will Roberts may be just a kid, but his courage, humor, and determination remind everyone that heroes are not defined by age — they are defined by the strength to keep standing, keep fighting, and keep believing. And as Jason and Brittney guide their son back to Houston for the next steps, they do so with unwavering faith, trusting that God is preparing them for each challenge, and that Will’s story, full of battles and triumphs, is far from over.
Through heartbreak, through setbacks, and through exhaustion, the Roberts family continues to demonstrate what it means to face adversity with hope, love, and faith. Their journey is one of endurance, of prayer, and of the quiet, remarkable strength that emerges when a family refuses to let fear dictate their path. Will Roberts is a warrior. And his parents are steadfast in their belief that with God, hope, and perseverance, they can face anything that comes next.
Landon’s Courageous Battle Against Osteosarcoma.114b
For most children, the last day of kindergarten is a time of excitement, celebration, and looking forward to the adventures of summer. For Landon, it was a day that marked the beginning of an entirely unexpected and life-changing journey. What started as a small complaint about knee pain would soon lead to a diagnosis that no child or family ever wants to hear.
When Landon first began experiencing discomfort in his knee, his parents assumed it might be a minor injury or growing pains. But as the pain persisted, they took him to a doctor for further evaluation. An x-ray revealed something far more serious than anyone could have anticipated: Landon had osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. The news hit the family hard, bringing shock, fear, and a flood of questions about what the future would hold.
From the very beginning, Landon faced his diagnosis with remarkable bravery. His family quickly began working with oncologists at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital to create a treatment plan tailored to his needs. What followed was a grueling series of medical interventions, each demanding incredible courage from this young child. Landon endured 32 rounds of chemotherapy, a process that tested not only his physical strength but also his emotional resilience.
Amid the medical challenges, Landon celebrated his seventh birthday in the hospital, surrounded by nurses, doctors, and loved ones who became an extended family during his treatment. While most children would have been devastated by the circumstances, Landon found ways to maintain his playful spirit. He faced each obstacle with determination, proving that even in the midst of fear and uncertainty, a child’s courage can shine brighter than anyone expects.
Landon also underwent three major leg surgeries, including a unique and complex procedure called rotationplasty. This surgery, which involves reconstructing the leg in a way that allows better mobility and use of a prosthetic, was daunting in concept but necessary for his long-term recovery. Throughout it all, Landon’s optimism, determination, and humor helped carry him through the pain and uncertainty of recovery.
In April, after months of intensive treatment, Landon reached a monumental milestone: he rang the bell at the hospital, signaling the completion of his cancer treatment. The ringing of the bell was a celebration of courage, resilience, and hope—a symbolic victory for a child who had faced more challenges in a single year than most experience in a lifetime.
Today, at eight years old, Landon continues to live life to the fullest. He undergoes routine scans every few months to monitor his health, but his spirit remains undeterred. He enjoys spending time outdoors, catching waves while boogieboarding, swimming, and immersing himself in his favorite video games. These activities, simple yet joyful, serve as a reminder of the importance of embracing life after cancer.
Landon’s courage has also been recognized in special and memorable ways. Recently, he was honored as the official “coin toss” kid at a Wake Forest football game. He got to catch the pregame warm-up on the sideline, oversee the coin toss with the referees and team captains, and watch the game with his family in the MVP seats. These experiences celebrate not only his recovery but also the indomitable spirit that carried him through treatment.
Beyond the celebrations and milestones, Landon’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of hope, resilience, and family support. Each day of his journey—whether in the hospital or at home—has demonstrated the strength that children can summon when faced with unimaginable challenges. For his family, every small victory, every laugh, and every step forward is a testament to Landon’s courage and determination.
Landon’s story also highlights the critical role of compassionate healthcare providers. The doctors, nurses, and staff at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital not only delivered expert medical care but also provided emotional support and encouragement at every stage of his treatment. Their dedication helped Landon face each day with strength and confidence, and their care has left an indelible mark on his family.
Through his journey, Landon has taught those around him invaluable lessons about courage, perseverance, and the importance of hope. He reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, every day holds the possibility of triumph and joy. His story is not just about battling cancer; it is about resilience, the love of family, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Landon inspires everyone who hears his story. His bravery in facing osteosarcoma, his determination to embrace life after treatment, and his ability to find joy even in difficult times remind us all that hope and courage can carry us through the toughest challenges. Every step of Landon’s journey, from his first diagnosis to ringing the end-of-treatment bell and celebrating life’s everyday joys, is a testament to the remarkable strength of a young boy who refused to let cancer define him.
As Landon continues to grow, explore, and live life fully, he leaves an enduring message for all of us: face the future with courage, embrace each day with hope, and never underestimate the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most daunting challenges. Landon’s journey is a story of triumph, inspiration, and unwavering resilience—a reminder that even in the darkest times, light and strength can prevail.
