MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey on Wednesday proclaimed Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, as Will Roberts Day across Alabama, honoring a 15-year-old whose battle with stage 4 osteosarcoma drew support from people across the state and nation.
William Britton “Will” Roberts, of Ralph, was the son of Alabama Law Enforcement Agency State Bureau of Investigation Capt. Jason Roberts and Brittney Roberts.
Will passed Thursday, July 23, at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego following a battle with cancer that lasted more than a year and a half.
The proclamation recognizes Will’s courage, faith and impact on those who followed his journey. Aug. 1, the day designated as Will Roberts Day, is also the day of his funeral.
“Alabama is remembering Will as a brave young man whose courage inspired us all,” Ivey said. “God has called him home, where he is healed and with our Savior. I am proud to honor his life well-lived by officially proclaiming Will Roberts Day in the state of Alabama. He inspired me, and he inspired us all.”
Will was diagnosed with stage 4 osteosarcoma Jan. 9, 2025. His treatment included surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and numerous hospital stays. He also lost a leg to cancer and learned to walk again as his treatment eventually took him more than 2,000 miles from home.
Osteosarcoma is a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer that primarily affects children, teenagers and young adults.
Will gained national attention in April after using his mother’s Facebook account to post a video asking for help obtaining access to an experimental cancer treatment.
The video received more than 6.5 million views on Facebook and reached Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Oz helped connect the Roberts family with those involved in the treatment Will later began receiving in California.
While undergoing treatment, Will met Oz and spoke with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He and his family also advocated for other children to have greater access to treatments for osteosarcoma.
“I want my life so bad,” Will told WVTM 13. “I’m determined to get it. So I’m fighting for it.”
Will’s public appeal led to an outpouring of financial assistance, prayers and other support from individuals, churches, businesses and organizations across the country.
The Governor’s Office said Will continued encouraging others throughout his illness and described his life as an example for children in Alabama and elsewhere who have faced cancer.
“Will was a light to everyone around him,” the Governor’s Office stated. “Despite his difficult journey, he could always find a reason to smile or encourage someone else. His journey united many in prayer, faith and community.”
Will passed away during the early morning hours of his mother’s birthday. In announcing his passing, Brittney Roberts said her son “is finally ringing his forever cancer-free bell.”
The family’s obituary remembered Will for his love of Jesus, his family, hunting, fishing, sports, laughter and time spent outdoors. It also recognized the medical professionals, law enforcement officers, friends and supporters who stood beside the family during his illness.
Public visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Shelton State Community College Gymnasium, located at 9500 Old Greensboro Road in Tuscaloosa.
The funeral will begin at noon, followed by burial at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Ralph.
The proclamation calls on Alabamians to remember Will’s life and the example he provided to remain strong, keep hope and have faith.
Will-Roberts-Day-Proclamation
