Meet the Families

The tumor as well as a portion of her spine were successfully removed and although she battled with learning to sit up and eventually walk again, Brittany pulled through. After being in a wheelchair for almost a year, Brittany then continued chemo and radiation therapy and was basically bed bound for an entire year and was homebound taught throughout this process.

Amazingly Brittany graduated with her class and then went on to the University of Georgia where she is enrolled in the nursing program to become a pediatric oncology nurse. Brittany was given only a 20 percent chance of survival the day she walked into the oncologist's office however we never gave up hope and always kept a positive attitude.

As one can imagine, our medical expenses were high and the expense of traveling 114 miles one way to the hospital for various doctor's appointments, surgeries, and treatments became very overwhelming. We literally wore the tires off our car. Children's Chance so graciously replaced the set of tires for us. Also, because of the extent of the surgery, Brittany required daily exercise in order to keep her weak muscles from getting weaker. Insurance would only pay for so many physical therapy sessions, therefore the therapist taught Brittany various exercises on different machines that are found at most health and fitness centers. We could not afford to pay the membership fees, therefore Children's Chance paid these fees for several years for Brittany. Children's Chance not only made our financial burdens less stressful, they allowed Brittany to keep her body strong, which helped her feel like a normal child again.

Brittany is now 21 years old and recently became engaged. She is looking forward to her career as a pediatric oncology nurse where she will be able to help children going through cancer treatment just as she did years ago. Brittany is one of about six that are still with us out of the approximately 26 children that we met during our experience with Cancer, and for that we thank God every day for loving us and giving us the wonderful doctors and dedicated nursing staff who took care of Brittany. We are also very greatful for organizations such as Children's Chance, because without all of these things, Brittany would not be where she is today.

Brittany has most likely been through more in her life than most of us will ever experience. And for that, Brittany is truly a Children’s Chance Champion!

Read Joel's story.
Read Matthew's story.
Read Amber's story.
Read Ruthie's story.
Read Gabriel's story.
Read Annastin's story.
Read the Ferguson family's story.
Read Madelyn's story.

To submit your family's story about your own experience with pediatric cancer to be featured in the Meet the Families section, please email to: samanthahiggins@bellsouth.net (include pictures if you like)
or call the office at (803) 254-5996!