Westville rallies to support Brittany Brownell Lee in her fight against cancer

The close-knit community of Westville is coming together to support one of its own, Brittany Brownell Lee, 28, who was recently diagnosed with invasive cell carcinoma, a severe form of cancer affecting her mouth and tongue. Brittany’s prognosis is dire, with doctors giving her just three years to live unless she undergoes a series of complex surgeries.

Brittany’s treatment plan includes an extensive surgery to remove approximately half of her tongue and her lymph nodes, followed by reconstructive surgery to restore her tongue. Post-surgery, she will need to endure eight weeks of radiation treatments and engage in speech therapy to regain her normal speech patterns. The current out-of-pocket cost for Brittany’s medical treatments is a staggering $90,000, not including the additional travel and accommodation expenses required for her trips to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida.

The financial burden is overwhelming for Brittany and her family. Without the necessary co-payment of $32,000, she will be unable to proceed with the surgeries that are crucial to halting the cancer’s progression. At just 28 years old, Brittany faces an incredibly challenging battle that has not only impacted her health but also her family and community.

“I’m just grateful and appreciative for anything and everything. Those that can help and have supported this journey we are on…to be honest…I am at a loss for words other than thank you.” said Lee. ‘I take care of my mother and grandfather who need constant daily care. I really need to stay around to bring them to appointments.” 

In response, the town of Westville is stepping up to support Brittany in her time of need. A fundraising shrimp boil event will be held at the Westville Town Hall on Saturday, August 10th, from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM. The event aims to raise funds to cover Brittany’s medical expenses and ensure she receives the life-saving treatments she urgently needs.

The shrimp boil promises to be a day filled with delicious food, community spirit, and an outpouring of support for Brittany. All proceeds from the event will go directly toward her medical expenses.