Day 30 of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with Childhood Survivor, Brittany Ross (Almost 25 Years!).

September 2025 of celebrating Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is in the books! I couldn't be more thrilled to chat with Brittany Ross, 40, a nearly 25-year Childhood Cancer Survivor, for my final post to wrap up this iconic month. We met Britt, then 15 years old, and her parents, Nancy and Alan Ross, on C53 at Georgetown University Hospital in December of 2000. Brittany was just diagnosed with AML (Acute Myelogenous Leukemia), and Ryan had relapsed in September of 2000, so we were in the hospital a lot and became next-door neighbors.

Brittany, a Disney fanatic (she claims to be their biggest fan), loves, loves, loves everything Disney (DisneyNerd), Broadway plays and productions, as well as musical theater of any kind (she is a former singer, dancer, and performer). She is also a fighter of cancer, even though the doctors gave her low percentages of survival upon diagnosis! Brittany is cute, bubbly, and feisty - all great attributes that helped her fight the good fight when she needed to rise above her challenging moments (there were many).

How about Brittany defying the odds on graduating from high school, college, getting engaged, and then being married to the man of her dreams, Patrick, for the last 12 years - their anniversary was two days ago?

One thing Brittany mentioned to me about carrying awareness forward is that awareness should be a year-round thing, not just in September. I agreed.

Lastly, I love the fact that Brittany is living the "Impossible Dream." Or, aptly, I'm Possible! In January 2026, Brittany and her family and friends will be celebrating her 25th Cancerversary! Cheers to Brittany, her doctors, medical staff, family, friends, and her stand-by-me husband, Patrick, on 25 years of cancer-free life! If Brittany has taught us anything, it’s that fairy tales aren’t just for Disney; sometimes, the happily ever after is real life. Here’s to carrying that magic beyond September.

YOU are a MIRACLE!

With gratitude,

Terri

Photos: Patrick & Brittany with their dogs, Brittany on her wedding day, and in the hospital at Georgetown University 2000/2001