In a heartwarming and poignant turn of events, 15-year-old Will Roberts from Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, has become a beacon of hope for others battling cancer by publicly sharing his struggle. Will, who has been fighting stage 4 osteosarcoma for 16 months, posted a video to his mother’s Facebook account, appealing for help in accessing an experimental cancer treatment known as DeltaRex-G. The video, which he uploaded without his mother’s knowledge on 22 April, has since gone viral, attracting global attention and support.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/will-roberts-teen-asks-for-cancer-drug-tout-42926-5d4ae5fc4fd7445a8132e99aa0808508.jpg)
In his heartfelt message, Will detailed the severe challenges of his illness, stating that traditional chemotherapy had not been effective for him. “I need help,” he asserted in a candid manner reflective of his experience. He expressed concern for his mother, who spends countless sleepless nights researching potential treatments for him. Will noted that while his mother had identified DeltaRex-G as a possible lifeline, time was of the essence.
The experimental drug DeltaRex-G operates by targeting a specific gene essential for the growth of cancer cells. According to the National Library of Medicine, some patients undergoing treatment with DeltaRex-G have achieved remarkable survivorship, including surviving ten or more years. In a touching revelation, Will conveyed, “I want my life, just like anybody does. Even if this won’t work for me, I hope it will help others in the future.”
The teen’s plea resonated far and wide, gathering over six million views within a couple of weeks. An impactful response came from Dr. Mehmet Oz, a former cardiothoracic surgeon and television personality, who is currently at the helm of the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Upon learning about Will’s situation through the viral video, Dr. Oz personally contacted the physicians developing DeltaRex-G in Santa Monica, California, effectively setting in motion the process to secure treatment for Will.
Will’s family is now preparing for what could be a life-changing trip to California, pending the approval of his platelet counts. A GoFundMe campaign has been established by friends to assist with the costs associated with travel and treatment. On 27 April, Will’s mother, Brittney, shared on Facebook the urgency of their situation, noting they “will likely be booking flights while sitting in the clinic.”
“I am overwhelmed in a way I can’t even explain,” Brittney wrote, expressing her gratitude and relief at the rapid developments. She further emphasised that this remarkable outcome stemmed from the courage of a teenager unwilling to remain silent about his plight. Will’s action not only seeks to secure his own treatment but also aims to bring hope to countless other children facing similar battles.
The story highlights the power of social media in connecting people and amplifying voices that may otherwise go unheard. Will Roberts’ bravery has not only prompted a flurry of support and well-wishes but has also ignited discussions about the accessibility of experimental treatments and the urgent need for advancements in cancer research.
As the Roberts family looks forward to the next steps in Will’s treatment journey, the support from their community and beyond shines a light on the fight against cancer. They remain hopeful for a positive outcome, both for Will and for others who might benefit from DeltaRex-G in the future. The promise of the experimental drug serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of new therapies that can change the course of this harsh disease.