Brittany's Journey of Courage, Love, and Renewal

At just 35 years old, Brittany's life was upended with the words, “You have cancer.” A young mother of two boys, a daughter, and a dedicated first-grade teacher, Brittany faced not only a cancer diagnosis but also a struggling marriage, all amidst a global pandemic. In the midst of life's chaos, she discovered her own inner strength, resilience, and the TRUE meaning of hope.

On the morning of May 5, 2021, Brittany awoke to get ready for work, not knowing her world was about to change forever. During her shower, she discovered a lump on her breast. In the hours that followed, her life became a whirlwind of tests and appointments. By May 6th, she heard the diagnosis that would alter her life forever: Triple Positive Invasive Ductal Carcinoma & Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)—a highly aggressive form of breast cancer.

Brittany’s journey brought her to Sacred Heart Cancer Center, where Dr. Brown became her lifeline. He walked her through a rigorous treatment plan, which included 18 treatments of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, & sessions of Herceptin and Perjeta. “I can do anything for a year,” Brittany told herself, facing each challenge with the courage she needed to carry on.

In her darkest moments, Brittany found a source of light in the dedication of Sacred Heart’s staff. Reflecting on Maya Angelou’s words, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." They not only provided medical support but also became her pillars of emotional strength.

One such person was her nurse, Antonetta. They shared a deep connection, with very parallel lives that made them kindred spirits. Antonetta’s thoughtful gift, a rose gold bracelet inscribed with “She doesn’t fight alone,” was a turning point. It reminded Brittany that she wasn’t alone, that she had an incredible support system behind her. Other compassionate souls, like nurse Stephanie, Ashley G. and social worker Alli B., also stood by Brittany, offering empathy and unwavering support when she needed it most. They stood by her through moments of fear and self-doubt that oftentimes overwhelmed her.

Desperately seeking normalcy during her course of treatment, Brittany made the courageous decision to return to teaching. Balancing the challenges of chemotherapy with the exuberance of six-year-olds was no easy task, but it was incredibly rewarding. Despite the physical and emotional toll of her treatment, she found solace in her students, who drew pictures of their brave, bald teacher. Through her journey, she taught them, and herself, that even the darkest times can be met with grace, resilience, and love. And that we are capable of overcoming even the toughest challenges.

Brittany’s battle with cancer ultimately became a journey of self-discovery. She learned to set boundaries, advocate for herself, and love who she was. “If cancer couldn’t kill me, I won’t let anything else in life drain me,” she reflected. This fight illuminated a new path forward, one where she embraced her worth and the endless possibilities of life ahead.

For Brittany, Sacred Heart Cancer Center was more than just a treatment facility—it was a place of healing, hope, and transformation. As she rang the bell marking the end of her treatment on June 22, 2022, surrounded by loved ones, Brittany celebrated not only her survival but also her newfound strength and zest for life. She knows that the best is yet to come and faces the future with hope, courage, and a heart full of gratitude.

Brittany is a testament to not only resilience and hope, but that the journey isn’t only about surviving cancer; it was about the power of human connection and the memories that live on through how people make each other feel. It serves as a powerful reminder that, while cancer may change lives in an instant, it also brings unexpected growth and unbreakable bonds that sometimes can make the darkest days brighter.