“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.
Fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia with Courage.109b
Bridenni’s story began like many other childhood illnesses, with small signs that something wasn’t quite right. She had been complaining of pains in her legs and tummy, experiencing constipation, and running high temperatures. At first, we thought it might just be a passing bug or a simple infection, but as the symptoms persisted, we took her to our GP multiple times. Each visit ended with more questions than answers, until she was referred to the local children’s hospital assessment unit. Despite a few days of observation, the cause of Bridenni’s discomfort remained unclear.
It was an incredibly stressful time for us. Bridenni underwent a series of ultrasound scans, X-rays, and tests. The doctors initially suspected she had a bone infection—osteomyelitis—and started her on a 10-day course of IV antibiotics. Yet, despite the treatment, Bridenni continued to have high temperatures, and over the course of three weeks, we found ourselves in and out of the hospital repeatedly. Every day brought new anxieties, and the uncertainty was exhausting for both Bridenni and our entire family.
The experience was made even more traumatic by the number of procedures Bridenni had to endure. She needed blood tests, and a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line was fitted to allow her to receive medications. Unfortunately, the line had to be removed twice because she developed a temperature, which doctors initially thought indicated an infection. Looking back, we now know that the fever and complications were early signs of the leukemia, but at the time, every visit to the hospital was filled with fear and confusion. Watching our little girl go under general anesthesia multiple times was heartbreaking, and the risk involved in each procedure was a constant source of stress. When Bridenni’s blood counts dropped dramatically and she became neutropenic, we were isolated in a separate room to protect her weakened immune system.
Finally, a blood consultant suggested a bone marrow biopsy to rule out leukemia. The words hit us like a thunderbolt, and I felt gutted. I cried, overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. Two days before Bridenni’s fourth birthday, the biopsy confirmed our worst fears: she had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). That very night, she received a blood transfusion, and the next morning, she was transferred to the children’s cancer ward to begin her treatment.
The difference between wards was immediate and striking. The children’s cancer ward was fully child-centered, supportive, and caring. The nurses became our lifeline, helping us navigate the challenge of giving a four-year-old daily medications and ensuring Bridenni remained as comfortable as possible. Their kindness, patience, and expertise turned a frightening experience into one that felt manageable.
Bridenni’s treatment plan is a two-year regimen classified as non-complex leukemia, with an 80–90% recovery chance. Naturally, as a parent, it’s hard not to focus on the 10–20% risk, but the consultants helped us stay positive, emphasizing the importance of focusing on each step of treatment rather than the uncertainty of the future. Supporting Bridenni through this long-term illness has been one of the most stressful and overwhelming experiences of my life. It’s a blur of hospital appointments, medications, procedures, and constant vigilance, not unlike the intensity of caring for a newborn, with every day bringing new challenges. I still experience anxiety but have learned to seek support from charities, reconnect with hobbies like gardening and crafts, and gradually return to work after being off for nearly a year due to stress.
Part of Bridenni’s treatment included a Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) test on 17 March 2020, as part of the UKALL trial funded by Children with Cancer UK. This test, which required another bone marrow biopsy, was a tense and stressful experience for our family, as we waited about ten days for the results that would determine her treatment regimen. Thankfully, the results were negative, and Bridenni remained on Regimen A, marking an important milestone in her recovery.
Even amid the challenges, moments of joy and normalcy have made a world of difference. Family days out, such as a trip to Legoland organized with support from Children with Cancer UK, gave Bridenni something to look forward to and created cherished memories for our family. These experiences reminded us that life does not stop during treatment, and that joy, laughter, and adventure are still possible, even in the midst of illness.
Our family has also found ways to give back and honor Bridenni’s journey. Her dad, Russell, recently ran the Virgin Money London Marathon to raise funds for the hospital, collecting just over £1,000 thanks to the generosity of friends and family. Participating in this effort allowed us to channel hope and energy into something positive, supporting the hospital and other families facing similar challenges.
Bridenni’s story is a testament to the courage, resilience, and determination of children battling leukemia. She has faced countless procedures, endured pain and uncertainty, and yet continues to approach life with bravery and a spirit that inspires everyone around her. While the road to recovery is ongoing, we remain grateful for every milestone, every supportive nurse and doctor, and every moment of joy that brightens our journey.
Through it all, Bridenni has shown incredible strength. She reminds us daily of the power of hope, love, and perseverance. Her story is not just about illness—it’s about resilience, family, and the unwavering belief that brighter days are always ahead.
