LDL. Small Alabama Town Unites in Prayer as 13-Year-Old Battles Rare Stage 4 Bone Cancer

Ralph, Alabama — Ten days ago, Jason and Brittney Roberts received a message no parent should ever have to read.

“It’s not good,” the text said. “It’s stage four… cancer in both legs… survivability has gone down dramatically.”

Their son, Will Roberts, a 7th-grade student at Sipsey Valley Middle School, had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the bones. In a matter of days, their world was turned upside down.

Just weeks earlier, Will was a normal 13-year-old boy — active, outdoorsy, and full of life. Now he is facing the fight of his young life.

Doctors had originally taken a biopsy from Will’s leg after he complained of pain. The results confirmed their worst fear. “I don’t like what I see,” said Dr. Fuller McCabe, the physician who reviewed the scans. Cancer was found not just in one place, but in both legs — a devastating sign that the disease had spread aggressively.

“This is something our oncologist said he’s never seen before,” Jason shared. “But we are not giving up.”

For Jason and Brittney, the diagnosis reopened a wound that never truly healed. Twelve years earlier, they lost their newborn daughter, Darby Kate, who was born with severe heart complications and lived just 68 days.

Now, once again, they find themselves praying for their child’s life.

“This feels like we’re reliving the worst nightmare of our lives,” Brittney said. “But God is not done with Will. I refuse to let fear steal our faith.”

The news spread quickly through the tiny town of Sipsey Valley, home to only about 500 people. Neighbors, teachers, classmates, and church members began gathering to pray. Signs of support appeared in yards. Messages flooded social media. Meals, rides, and encouragement poured in.

“Our faith has certainly been tested,” Jason said. “But we believe in the power of prayer. We believe God hears every one of them.”

Will’s family says he is already showing the strength of a fighter. Despite the fear, the hospital visits, and the uncertainty, Will remains brave. He knows the road ahead will be hard — filled with chemotherapy, treatments, and painful days — but he is determined to fight.

“He wants to live,” Brittney said. “He still talks about going hunting, fishing, and doing all the things he loves. That gives us hope.”

As doctors prepare to begin aggressive treatment, the Roberts family is holding tightly to faith — and to the community standing beside them.

They are asking one thing from the world: prayers.

“If ever our son needed them, it’s now,” Jason said. “Please pray for Will. Pray for healing. Pray for strength.”

In a small Alabama town, hundreds of hearts are already doing just that — believing that even in the darkest moments, miracles can still happen. 🙏💙