A Ralph teenager has died after battling a rare form of osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer.
Will Roberts made national headlines after taking to social media desperate for a treatment only available in California. The 15-year-old said although it was probably too late for him, he wanted to try all he could to survive and said if it didn’t work for him, he hoped his message would inspire others.
And inspire, he did.
Roberts’ story garnered attention from the Trump administration, and Dr. Mehmet Oz answered the call. Roberts was receiving the DeltaRex-G treatment he longed for in California. While the drug showed promise, Roberts died Thursday surrounded by family members.
“Will is finally ringing his forever cancer-free bell as he entered the gates of Heaven,” his mother shared. “At 12:45 a.m. (central time) today, on my birthday, our precious Will took his final breath on this earth and entered the presence of Jesus.”
Roberts was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in January 2025. Between chemotherapy treatments and surgery, he took every opportunity to spend time with family, go fishing and share laughs with followers nationwide.
His mother, Brittney Roberts, continued to update followers online throughout the process. At times, breaking down at the thought of losing her child, Brittney Roberts persevered and remained strong for her young son.
“We prayed for healing every single day,” she stated. “We begged God for one more miracle. While our hearts desperately wanted healing here, God chose complete healing in Heaven. 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….As shattered as our hearts are tonight, I know exactly where Will is and he is not suffering. That is the only thing giving me the strength to write these words.”
His father, Jason Roberts, stayed by his son’s side while at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, even fasting with him when he was unable to eat or drink.
The family has been supported by community members, state leaders and lawmakers. They have continued to spread awareness about DeltaRex-G and the importance of the drug’s approval nationwide.
Followers were devastated to hear the news of Roberts’ passing. However, while fighting cancer, Roberts shared a message to comfort others.
“We serve a God and God is bigger,” he said. “Every single bit of this is just a disease and God is bigger. God is bigger.”
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