Help Brittani in Her Fight Against Cancer

Anyone who has met Brittani knows what a warm, bubbly and caring person she is. No matter what she’s going through, you won’t catch her without a smile – and if you’re having a bad day, her infectious positivity will certainly lighten your mood. Her world revolves around her family, especially her fiancé, Windsor, and their blended family consisting of Lucas, age 5; Hunter, age 3; Wyatt, age 1 and Ava, age 7. Brittani jumps at any chance to help anyone at anytime; whether it be family, friends or coworkers, she is always there to lend a helping hand. Unfortunately, Brittani now needs our help more than ever.

A couple of weeks ago, Brittani began to experience back pain. She saw her primary care physician who advised it was likely just her sciatica nerve acting up and prescribed pain medication. Despite the pain intensifying, Brittani was seen and dismissed by multiple doctors, the ER and urgent care. With the medication not working, the pain became so unbearable that she was unable to walk. It was at this point that Windsor’s mother, who is a nurse, took her to Abington Hospital and demanded that tests be done. Upon review of an MRI, the doctors saw something concerning which prompted additional scans and blood work. On June 22, 2022 at the age of 26, Brittani was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia which is essentially cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Had Windsor’s mother not pushed so hard for testing, one can only imagine the grim outcome that Brittani and her family would have faced.

Brittani was transferred to Jefferson Main Hospital in Philadelphia to meet with a team specializing in leukemia to discuss treatment options. The first step was getting a bone marrow biopsy to determine how aggressive this progressive form of cancer is and if she would need a bone marrow transplant. After receiving pathology results, it was found that the cancer had already spread into her entire spine, hips, knees and legs. This explains why she was unable to walk prior to her diagnosis.

At this time, the pain has become so intolerable that oral medication is no longer effective, so Brittani now has a PCA drip which is an IV of pain medication that goes straight in her pick line which she can control with a button. This week Brittani will undergo a blood transfusion and a spinal tap which will check to see if the cancer has spread into her brain. Unfortunately this type of cancer can “hide” in the brain, so all precautions need to be taken.

For the next nine months, Brittani will face extensive chemotherapy treatments and will not be able to work. Being considered an adolescent for this aggressive form of cancer, these treatments are critical as Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is very rarely seen in patients as young as Brittani. After this first month of treatment and a second bone marrow biopsy, doctors will be able to gauge how Brittani is responding. Extensive treatment will continue for another eight months, which will be followed by chemotherapy for three years in hopes to kill as many cancerous cells as possible. To make matters worse, Brittani cannot go home right now for outpatient treatment. She must remain in the hospital until July 12th – 16th at the earliest to see how her body handles this aggressive chemo treatment.

When Brittani began experiencing back pain, cancer was the last thing that anyone thought. No one can prepare for such devastating news, and unfortunately, it’s clear that this will be a long road for Brittani. For at least the next nine months, Windsor and their four children will be struggling to live off of one income. While everyone has fallen victim to the effects of inflation, it will be impossible to cover their everyday costs, as well as Brittani’s medical expenses which skyrocket by the day.

Despite Brittani’s apprehension to ask for assistance, we need to band together to help in her greatest time of need. If you’re in the position to do so, we’re asking for any donation – big or small – anything will help. The funds raised will go towards her treatment, the kids’ schooling and household bills. At this time, Brittani needs to focus on her health, to stay strong and beat this disease, but it’s especially hard to do when she’s worrying about the financial struggles her family has already begun to face. Each day brings new tests, new results, and new plans of attack, so regular updates will be given to document Brittani’s progress. There are no words to express how thankful your support is, whether monetary or just a happy thought or prayer. We’re all rooting for you, Brittani!