2S. Teen Cancer Fighter Will Roberts Finds Strength, Support, and Hope During Latest Chemotherapy Round

In a quiet hospital room filled with laughter, love, and the steady rhythm of medical monitors, 14-year-old Will Roberts is continuing one of the hardest battles any child should ever face — his fight against cancer.

This week, Will completed his third round of chemotherapy, and for the first time in weeks, his family finally had some much-needed good news to share.

“This third dose was as good as it could be,” his mother said. “He had very little nausea, and his leg pain has gone away again. Most importantly, his mental state is so much better than last week.”

While doctors are still waiting for his blood counts to drop — a normal part of the chemotherapy process — Will has been emotionally stronger, more hopeful, and more prepared for what lies ahead. After enduring long and difficult hospital stays, he now expects to be there for about six days, and he has faced that reality with courage and maturity far beyond his years.

But what has made the greatest difference this time is something no medicine could provide: the presence of friends, family, and love.

Friendship That Heals

Over the weekend, two of Will’s closest friends, Brock and Noah, came to visit him. Brock arrived Friday night, and Noah stayed all day Sunday. Their time together brought laughter back into Will’s world — something that can be rare inside hospital walls.

“Spending time with those two did miracles for his mindset,” his mom shared. “You could see the light come back into his eyes.”

Behind the scenes, several friends and family members worked hard to make those visits happen. Stephanie Clawson Isaacs and Dana Roy helped bring the boys to the hospital and stayed to spend time with Will and the family. Others, including Taylor Noah, Matt Battles, Chris Mazie, Justin Johnston, Jessica Johnston, and Eddie Battles, rotated in to keep Will entertained and supported throughout the stay.

Even in the middle of pain and uncertainty, Will was never alone.

A Special Moment of Courage

One of the most emotional moments during this hospital stay came when Will made a brave decision.

Chemotherapy has caused him to lose his hair — something that can be deeply difficult for any teenager. But this week, Will walked out publicly with his bald head for the first time.

He didn’t do it alone.

Several of his friends shaved their heads in solidarity, helping him feel confident, supported, and proud rather than embarrassed.

“It was one of those small moments that meant everything,” his mother said. “They helped him feel okay with who he is right now.”

Finding Joy in the Middle of the Storm

Despite the seriousness of his illness, the Roberts family is doing everything they can to keep life feeling normal.

Will and his grandmother, Dorothy Darby Johnston, stayed together at the hospital while his parents, Jason and Brittney, were able to step away for a brief dinner — a “date night” that Will himself encouraged them to take. Brittney’s mother stayed by her side, and they spent their days laughing, putting puzzles together, watching movies, and walking miles through hospital hallways.

Meanwhile, Will’s sister Charlie is staying with her aunts in Montgomery, surrounded by love while her brother continues treatment.

“We are making the best of what we’ve been dealt,” Brittney said. “But we could not do this without the support of friends and family.”

Grateful for the Little Things

Cancer has a way of changing how a family sees the world. Things that once seemed small now feel enormous.

A day without nausea.
A meal eaten with appetite.
A few hours without pain.
A moment of laughter.

These are now victories.

“You learn to thank God for the simple things,” Brittney shared. “You can plead and beg for life, but you also learn to give thanks for just a few days of no pain, good mental health, and fellowship with people who love you.”

This round of chemotherapy has been one of the best Will has had so far, and while the road ahead remains long and difficult, his family is holding tightly to hope.

As Will continues his treatment, one thing remains certain: he is not walking this journey alone.

And in the quiet strength of a brave young boy — supported by love, friendship, and faith — there is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, light still finds a way to shine.