Tuscaloosa Teen with Rare Cancer Headed to California for Possible Life-Saving Treatment

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News | April 30, 2026

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A 15-year-old Tuscaloosa teen battling a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer has been cleared to travel to California for a potentially life-saving treatment, offering renewed hope to his family after months of uncertainty.

Will Roberts has been fighting stage 4 osteosarcoma since his diagnosis in January 2025. The disease, known for its rapid progression, has continued to spread despite extensive treatment efforts, including chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and a rotationplasty procedure that resulted in the amputation of his left leg.

In recent days, Will’s story reached a turning point.

While his family believed he was resting, Will recorded a heartfelt video message and shared it to his mother’s Facebook page. In the video, he did not ask for sympathy—only for a chance to live.

The message quickly gained attention, reaching thousands across the country and ultimately connecting his family with doctors in California offering an advanced treatment option that had previously been out of reach.

On Thursday, Will’s family received the news they had been praying for: he has been cleared to travel to California for an experimental, targeted gene therapy using DeltaRex-G.

His mother, Brittney Roberts, described the moment as both overwhelming and emotional.

“We will be California bound either Saturday or Sunday… trying to line up flights now. It’s been an emotional day,” she shared. “When we left clinic, I couldn’t quit crying.”

Photo courtesy of Brittany Roberts social media.

While the opportunity brings hope, it also comes with difficult realities for the family. The trip will require them to temporarily separate, leaving one child behind while focusing on Will’s care across the country.

“The thought of us splitting up as a family and leaving her behind… along with trying to keep Will alive… it was too much today,” Brittney shared in a social media post.

As the family prepares for the journey ahead, they are leaning on faith and the support of their community.

“Tomorrow will be a new day,” she added.

For now, the Roberts family is focused on getting Will to California safely and beginning the next phase of his fight.

Community members and supporters are continuing to rally around Will, offering prayers, encouragement, and support as he takes this critical step forward.

Those following his journey are encouraged to keep the family in their thoughts—praying for safe travel, strength, and a successful outcome from the upcoming treatment.

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