Brittany was first diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at the age of four. She had two tumors, one above her chest and another next to her spinal column. After the tumors were removed, she received chemotherapy and was in remission for five years until suffering a relapse at the age of nine. At that time, the tumors returned and she again had surgery and chemotherapy, with radiation treatments added shortly thereafter. Brittany was free from cancer for three years until October of 2006 when six tumors were discovered. We were very sad to hear that the cancer had spread to her bone marrow and had become Stage Four Neuroblastoma. Brittany began the first of four rounds of chemotherapy followed by a bone marrow transplant in March of 2007. She is such a tough fighter and has the steadfast support of her family and friends.

POTCF: How old were you when your mom and dad told you that you had cancer?

Brittany: First when I was four-years-old, then at age nine and again thirteen.

POTCF: Can you tell us about those times and what you remember?

Brittany: I really don’t remember the first time but this last time was really hard for me because I missed almost a whole year of school. I was able to keep up while I was in the hospital because my mom helped me and I taught myself. I managed to get straight A’s and to pass with an A in Advanced Math which put me in Algebra for 8th grade.

POTCF: What is spending the night at the hospital like for you?

Brittany: It wasn’t too bad for me because I always had my Mom or my Dad there with me and they would keep me company and bring me good food—not hospital food—and they always make me smile. The only downer of the overnights would be getting almost no sleep due to the sick feeling and the nurse always coming in and out of the room.

POTCF: What is the best part of coming to the hospital?

Brittany: The doctors, the nurses, the childcare people and of course the Treasure Chest Foundation.

POTCF: How often did you visit the outpatient clinic for treatments?

Brittany: Only once for chemotherapy but many times for other kinds of treatments.

POTCF: What is the worst part of treatment for you?

Brittany: The pain and how sick it makes me feel.

POTCF: Can you tell us about the Treasure Chest in the hospital?

Brittany: The Treasure Chest at our hospital is filled with different kinds of toys and games for kids of all ages and gift cards for the older kids—it’s amazing.

POTCF: Can you tell us about the best toy you ever got from the Treasure Chest?

Brittany: The art kit and game I received at the grand opening of the Treasure Chest to our hospital, and the gift cards which give my family a reason to get me out of the house when I would rather rest (resting makes me weaker and more vulnerable to sickness).

POTCF: Did knowing that you were going to receive a toy or gift help?

Brittany: I think it did because I have missed so many things at school and with my friends because of having to go to the hospital. Knowing I will get something even though I miss so many other things really helps.

POTCF: What would you say to a little boy or girl who just learned they have cancer?

Brittany: Just to stay positive and lean on your friends and family for support. Don’t let anything get you down.

POTCF: Did having cancer change you in any way?

Brittany: I think so because it showed me who my friends are and that I can always rely on them to be there for me. Having cancer taught me to not care what other people think of me.

POTCF: Do you have any final comments about the Treasure Chest Foundation?

Brittany: I would say keep donating or start donating because the Foundation is really a good cause and it really helps these kids including me.

POTCF: Mom and Dad, in your own words, what can you say about the Treasure Chest Foundation?

Brittany’s Mom and Dad: It’s wonderful! It makes any medical procedure easier knowing that there is a surprise when it’s all done. There is no way we could afford to buy our daughter something every time she had to visit the clinic or hospital. Thank you very much, we appreciate your kindness.