Tuscaloosa, Alabama — A 15-year-old Alabama teen whose courageous battle with cancer inspired thousands across the country has died after a lengthy fight against a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.
Will Roberts, of Tuscaloosa, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, after being hospitalized with osteosarcoma, according to a heartfelt Facebook post shared by his mother, Brittney Battles Roberts.
The teenager’s journey touched people far beyond his hometown after he went viral earlier this year by sharing a deeply personal message asking for help in his fight against stage 4 cancer.
Family Shares Emotional Tribute After Will’s Passing
In announcing her son’s death, Brittney Roberts reflected on her faith and the peace she believes Will has found.
“Will is finally ringing his forever cancer free bell as he entered the gates of Heaven!!!”
She also shared that Will passed away on her birthday, calling it a reminder that her son was no longer suffering.
“What a beautiful gift that God gave me today on my birthday….a celebration that there is no more cancer and Will entered into the kingdom of Heaven!!!! What better gift could I have received than to know my baby boy is sitting with Jesus and is cancer free….”
Her message quickly resonated with thousands, drawing more than 53,000 comments from people offering condolences and sharing how Will’s story had inspired them.
Viral Video Sparked Nationwide Support
Will first captured national attention in April when he logged into his mother’s Facebook account and posted a heartfelt video asking for help finding a cure for his cancer.
The emotional message spread rapidly online, leading to support from community members, elected officials and medical professionals.
According to WBRC, even Dr. Mehmet Oz reached out to help connect the family with specialists and treatment resources.
Reflecting on the overwhelming response at the time, Will said:
“They have absolutely been amazing help. If I hadn’t gotten on there and made that video, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
His father, Jason Roberts, also spoke openly about the family’s faith while acknowledging the seriousness of Will’s condition.
“You know, Dr. Oz has kind of spearheaded and got us in touch with the people we need to get in touch with. Only God knows the plan. We are a very God-centered family, and the fact is we’ve been very honest with Will and his chances are very slim, but with God anything is possible.”
Alabama Pays Tribute to a Brave Young Life
Following news of Will’s passing, tributes poured in from across Alabama.
Governor Kay Ivey honored the teenager’s courage in a statement shared on social media.
“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of young Will Roberts.”
“Alabama will remember Will as a brave young man whose courage inspired us all. God has called him home, where he is healed and with our Savior. Join me in praying for the Roberts family during this unimaginable loss.”
Will had been battling osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer that primarily affects children, teenagers and young adults.
A Legacy of Faith, Strength and Hope
As Will’s condition worsened and the cancer eventually spread to his brain, his family made the heartbreaking decision to focus on keeping him comfortable.
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In her tribute, Brittney Roberts said her son never allowed his illness to define him.
“No child should have had to endure what Will endured. Yet every single day, Will found a reason to smile, crack a joke, encourage someone else, or remind us all what real strength looked like.”
She also thanked the staff at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego and the countless supporters who stood beside the family throughout Will’s journey.
“Over the last year and a half, we have watched complete strangers become family. We have watched churches across the country pray for a child they had never met. We have watched nurses become some of our closest friends. We have watched people come back to God, strengthen their faith, and believe in the power of prayer because of Will. That wasn’t an accident. God has been writing a story through Will that was always so much bigger than us.”
Will Roberts leaves behind a legacy of courage, compassion and faith that inspired countless people during his fight against cancer.
What are your thoughts on the incredible impact Will Roberts made during his courageous journey? Share your condolences and memories respectfully in the comments below.
