From Cancer Patient to Marine: Britney’s Story of Hope

By the time Britney reached the 6th grade, her teachers kept asking if she felt OK. Britney had trouble staying awake in class, despite getting a full night’s rest.

“I was just so tired,” Britney said. “I didn’t know why I couldn’t stay awake.”

But soon after, in 2018, her symptoms suddenly worsened. Britney awoke from a nap unable to move half her body.

“I can’t even describe it. I basically fell trying to get out of bed,” she recalled. “My mom took me to the doctor right away.”

Her mom advocated on her behalf, insisting her doctor do a full workup. That is when blood tests revealed that 12-year-old Britney not only had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but she also needed an immediate blood transfusion. The family turned to Texas Children’s Hospital for her care.

The faith to move forward

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Britney remembers initially crying when she heard the diagnosis. But soon after, a feeling of calm came over her.

“I just had a feeling that everything was going to be OK,” Britney said. “I wasn’t scared. After that, I didn’t cry anymore. I told my mom it would be OK.”

From 2018 to 2020, the Texas native underwent 15 cycles of chemotherapy at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center as well as multiple blood transfusions. On September 7, 2020 — just as Britney started high school — she was able to ring the victory bell, signaling the end of her cancer treatment and the start of cancer remission. Britney was already gearing up for her next challenge: fulfilling her dream of enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Britney’s dream of enlisting began when she was 10, inspired by seeing a classmate’s father in uniform during her 5th-grade graduation ceremony. Now a cancer survivor, she was told her medical history might dash those dreams. For the next four years, she focused both on maintaining her health and establishing options for plan B: she earned certifications in welding, floral design and culinary arts, and became a certified nursing assistant.

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Britney also joined Texas Children’s Long-Term Survivor Program, which monitors more than 2,000 former cancer patients for delayed side effects and complications caused by their previous cancer therapies. The program also provides personalized screening and follow-up recommendations based on the individual’s medical history.

Making her dream a reality

While the military reviewed Britney’s application, she attended physical training sessions with the goal of demonstrating her physical abilities and dedication. Ultimately, with the support of her recruiters and Texas Children’s, Britney’s enlistment was finalized. She headed to boot camp in California at the end of August with a mix of excitement, nervousness and happiness. As she embarks on this new path, her story has just begun.

When asked what advice she gives to children and families facing cancer today, Britney said: “God is a very big person — don’t give up. Cancer doesn’t determine what you want to do in life. It’s just an obstacle, and you’ll get through it.”

Learn more about Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center.

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