In September 2004, just as she began college, Brittany underwent surgery to remove a "mass" from her brain. The mass was identified as a glioblastoma multiforme - a highly aggressive brain tumor. Brittany received the normal course of radiation and began a regimen of chemotherapy.

After initial success at reducing the remnants of the tumor, the chemotherapy was suspended when other complications arose - a cyst formed in her brain requiring surgery to implant a shunt with external drainage, followed by a shunt with internal drainage; her blood count dropped drastically and was treated with a series of transfusions; the internal shunt became infected spreading a staph infection throughout her body which was fought with a cocktail of antibiotics.

By the time she had recovered sufficiently to resume the chemotherapy, an MRI showed that the tumor had spread rapidly to her cranial nerves and spine. Brittany died at home on August 20, 2005 surrounded by her family.

"When it is dark enough, you can see the stars."

                                                                                                                            Charles Beard

The eulogy delivered at Brittany's funeral mass captures the essence
of the special being she was to us.

The Many Sides of Brittany

Each of us knew Brittany differently - as a daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend. The many different sides of Brittany endeared her to all of us, and formed the being that she was. Brittany accepted her lot with dignity. She used to say that she had to play the hand God dealt her. She fought her battle bravely, and when she finally laid down her sword it was not in defeat but simply from exhaustion.

Here, in simple words, is Brittany:

Family, Friends, Flowers, Formal Gowns, Sweatshirts, T-Shirts, Jeans, Shopping,
Going to the Movies, Calvin Klein;
Ewan McGregor, James Dean, Orlando Bloom, Vin Diesel, Casper Van Dien,
Jean Claude Van-Damme and Christian Bale;
Beanie Babies, My Little Pony, Sailor Moon, Shot Glasses, James Bond, Horror Movies,
Stuffed Animals - especially Bears, Spiderman;
N-SYNC, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Puddle of Mudd, Billy Idol, Country Music, Rascal Flats,
Jo Dee Messina;

Ordering from Delia's Catalogue, Photography, Notre Dame, Skittles, Milkshakes, Milk Duds, Lobster, Corn Bread, Calamari, Green Jelly;
New York Yankees, New Jersey Devils, Brian Gionta, Field Hockey, Wrestling, Ford Mustangs, Her Car, The Picture of Brad's Back;
CSI, a Future in Forensic Science, Egyptology, Trips to Paris, Huskies, Cooking,
Baking - especially Cookies, Food Network, Cook Books;
Angels, Tattoos, Semper Fidelis, "Dr. Nolan", Vampires, Anne Rice, Laurell K. Hamilton;
Brain Tumor, Hospitals, Surgery, Radiation, Chemotherapy, Hope, Humor,
Determination, Faith, Strength, Courage, Dignity;
Generous, Loving, Caring, Kind, Gentle, Affectionate.

Brittany - Forever Loved, Forever 19, Forever Young.

We were blessed to have had you with us, even for so short a time.

We love you, Britt, and miss you terribly.

Mom, Dad, John & David
Other Family, Friends
And, of course, the Siberian Huskies

It has been said that when someone dies, they are no longer
where they were. Now they are wherever you are.