The Story of Brittany Naylor
Brittany Naylor was a dreamer—and a fighter. Diagnosed with cancer at 19 years old, she spent nearly a decade navigating hospitals, treatments, and life as a girl in her 20s with a serious illness. But Brittany was never defined by her diagnosis. Instead, she defined herself by her strength, her determination, and her desire to inspire others—even in the face of adversity. And her dream? To graduate from college.
With a heart for helping others, Brittany originally pursued a nursing degree. But when her illness made requirements difficult, she pivoted, falling in love with Criminal Justice with the hope of mentoring young girls in the juvenile justice system. Despite almost dropping out twice because of her health, Brittany kept moving forward. Her sister Brooke was her biggest cheerleader. “She always wanted to go to school,” Brooke shared. “She would spend all her time and energy on schoolwork, despite everything else going on.”
In the early months of 2024, Brittany finished her classes and was getting ready to graduate with not one but TWO degrees: General Studies and Criminal Justice. However, her health began rapidly declining once again. The care team at Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children realized she would not make it to the May graduation ceremony. But Brittany deserved a graduation.
Everyone on Brittany’s care team immediately sprang into action. First, they planned a graduation photoshoot for her—something she had always wanted—taking photos in her graduation cap, gown, and sparkly dress. Holding daffodils freshly cut from the Oak Valley garden, Brittany stood near the water, completely at peace. Even though this activity required a lot from her physically and emotionally, she felt normal again and felt beautiful.
And on March 29, 2024, surrounded by friends, family, and her care team, Brittany achieved her dream. Dressed in a forest green Oakland Community College gown and a matching graduation cap decorated to say, “Best Day Ever,” Brittany was awarded her degrees at a special, private ceremony held at her favorite restaurant. Thanks to the incredible coordination of her pediatric hospice care team, Oakland Community College, Arbor Hospice’s Gestures of Grace fund, and a group of volunteers, the space transformed into a joyful tribute, complete with flowers, cupcakes, printed menus, and a framed portrait from her photoshoot—representing her joy, beauty, and resilience.
During the ceremony, Professor and Sergeant Michele Kuzila presented Brittany with the Outstanding Student Achievement Award—a rare honor given to just 24 students out of more than 14,000. The award recognized Brittany’s GRIT: Generosity, Resilience, Insightfulness, and Tenacity. Surprised, Brittany humbly received her award, sharing these words with her loved ones: “The world is big. There’s nothing you can’t do.”
Brittany passed away peacefully on April 20, 2024, surrounded by love and her Anchors care team. Her nurse, Veronica, who was with her through every step in her final months, said, “It was so special to be part of Brittany’s graduation and to see her fulfill her dreams. Everyone deserves that, no matter when it happens.”
Brittany always wanted to inspire others. Even when her body grew tired, her spirit stayed strong. She persevered, chased her dreams, and encouraged everyone around her to dream big.
The bracelet she wore said it best:
“She thought she could, so she did.”
And Brittany did.
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