Ralph, Ala. — A 15-year-old Alabama teen is drawing national attention after a video he recorded on his mother’s Facebook page helped quickly mobilize support for access to an experimental drug.
Will Roberts, of Ralph, filmed a two-minute video Wednesday without his parents’ knowledge, asking for help in obtaining a drug known as DELTAREX-G. In the video, he also urged viewers to share his message widely, including to President Donald Trump, while advocating not only for himself but for others in similar situations.
According to posts shared by his mother, Brittney Battles Roberts, the video quickly gained traction and led to a wave of outreach and support.
Roberts publicly credited several individuals who she said helped move the effort forward, including Ric Mayers and his wife, Chloe, who she said reached out directly after seeing the video and asked how they could help.
She also named Congressman Barry Moore, Jared Hudson, and musician Hank Williams Jr. along with his wife, Brandi, as among those who stepped in as the situation developed.
Roberts further acknowledged support from Katie Britt, Tommy Tuberville, Gerald Allen, and businessman Stan Pate, along with others in the community who shared the message, prayed, and helped amplify Will’s request.
According to her, the growing attention led to a call from Dr. Mehmet Oz, who she said personally contacted doctors involved in developing DELTAREX-G in Santa Monica, California.
The family has since participated in a telehealth consultation, and Roberts said Will is now gaining access to the drug. Plans are underway for the family to travel to Santa Monica in the near future.
Roberts described the rapid developments as overwhelming and said the momentum began with Will’s decision to speak out on his own.
“This started with a 15-year-old who refused to stay quiet,” she wrote.
Further details about Will’s condition and the experimental treatment have not been publicly released.
