BrittiCares International (BCI) was established to aid children and their families in dealing with the effects of childhood cancer.

On September 1, 1993, an angel named Brittiana Renee’ Henderson was born with a mission to bring light and love to the entire world. Since birth, Brittiana was “all smiles”, bringing sunshine into the lives of all whom she encountered. From a very early age; “Britt” (as she is affectionately known) enjoyed life to the fullest. Britt had amazing talents for acting, dancing, poetry and so much more. She excelled in school and also had hopes of becoming a pediatrician. Brittiana adored parties, having fun and doing all the things that kids like to do.

One might be tempted to label Brittiana Renee’ Henderson as “a regular kid”, but this is just not the case. What makes Brittiana so unique is her journey; in 2004 at the age of 10 Brittiana was diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma (bone cancer). News of this magnitude has been known to take even the strongest of men down for the count, but not Britt. She soldiered on through this ordeal with the heart of a hero, enduring the chemo-therapy, the pain, and a partial knee replacement. Through it all, even on her worse days, Brittiana always found the strength within to take the focus off of her and put it on others. Britt would visit other children in the hospital and offer them her best; hugs and smiles. It was then that her parents Jamie and Shirell Henderson joined with Brittiana to start BrittiCares International (BCI), a non-profit organization dedicated to embracing children diagnosed with cancer through the power of love.

A girl this awesome deserves awesome results and that’s what she received, the chemo was complete and the cancer was in remission. She remained in remission for 14 months, until in 2006 Brittiana and her family received the baffling news that the cancer had returned, this time as Leukemia. Even this, did not stop Brittiana. She continued her fight with the same faith that brought her through once before. There was one difference, a very poor prognosis, and a slim chance of survival forecast was upon her, Brittiana said, “No Chemo, I want quality of life.” With her family by her side, Britt battled Leukemia through holistic regiments, hospital support and plenty of smiles. While maintaining such a positive outlook, and encouraging spirit for others, Brittiana found the time to assist with planning the 1st annual “Brittiana Smile for Life 5k run/walk” through BCI in order to raise funds for her treatment and that of other children with cancer. Brittiana’s motto is “you never give up”, with her amazing fortitude, she walked the entire three miles. When Brittiana crossed the finish line, there was no doubt that we were looking into the eyes of a hero, who faced life’s challenges with strength and determination. A hero that caught the eyes of her loved ones, and captured the hearts and attention of America through the local news media and NBC’s Today show with her very own segment entitled “Inspiring a Nation”. LINK

On Wednesday; January 31, 2007 Brittiana Renee’ Henderson’s struggle with cancer came to an end, but her legacy and journey continues on through the love, support, joy, and smiles that BCI has to offer to the lives of children and families afflicted with cancer.

We present this opportunity for corporations, community-based and individual entities to partner with BCI through donations/sponsorships in lightening the load carried by young people and their families as they journey through the harsh realities of childhood cancer.

BrittiCares International is dedicated to helping children with cancer and their families deal with the emotional challenges of sickness, and uncertainties that accompanies it, through creating positive and exciting environments, awareness, uplifting support and family involvement.

BCI believes that every child deserves the opportunity to smile, and we are committed to making a difference from the onset of the diagnosis, during and after treatment.

We offer assistance with various patient and family needs including; groceries, clothing, transportation, and burial expenses.

BCI builds positive and comforting environments by bringing in design teams to the homes of terminally ill children to create an “Imagine Me” Personalized, theme based bedroom makeover.

We celebrate the joy of life with “Patient Party Times” which is a fun filled social event that allows patients with cancer and their families to gather and enjoy an entertaining outlet during their hospital stay.

We allow patients to ‘Pick a Party” which is a celebration event of their choice, including a birthday, graduation, holiday, welcome home or other.

Brittiana Henderson
Smile for Life
P.O. Box 43504
Los Angeles, CA 90043
Tax ID # 72-1613220

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Our message which was Originally Posted On February 6th, 2007 upon hearing about her story

We here at Black Girl Fame would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of 13-year-old Brittiana Henderson who passed away on January 31st 2007 after a three-year battle with Cancer. Britianna was not a ‘BGF Girl’ but she was a personal friend to many of our girls and the young guys in this industry, not only that, but before her illness she was an actress herself, who had appeared in several commercials.

Her last outing with all of her friends was on Sunday January 28, 2007 at Christopher Massey’s birthday party. She had such a great time there that her parents would like it if any and all child actors could attend her funeral on Thursday [February 8]. They really want this for her. I understand that it’s bit short notice, so for all the kids who can’t make it to the funeral, we were thinking that it would be a lovely gesture if you might like to donate some money to BRITTIANA HENDERSON SMILE FOR LIFE, which is a Non-profit organization that she started to help other children with cancer. Members, you’re welcome to donate too.

If you’d like to donate money to BRITTIANA’S SMILE FOR LIFE the Tax ID# and mailing information is as follows.

Brittiana Henderson Smile for Life
P.O. Box 43504
Los Angeles, CA 90043
Tax ID # 72-1613220

Please donate if you can and please say a prayer and continue to pray for the Henderson Family’s strength, as they will really need it.

Funeral Service Info for Brittiana Henderson
Thursday, Feburary 8, 2007
10:30 am

The Tabernacle
321 N Eucalyptus Ave
Inglewood, CA 90302-2917, US
Corner of Eucalyptus and 2800 W Florence Ave
Directions

If you’d like to hear more about Brittiana Henderson you can find 2 videos HERE. I hope you’re as deeply moved by her poem “Where I’m From,” as I was.

To The Henderson Family: I send my heartfelt condolences to your family. I hope that you may find some comfort knowing that she is now cancer and pain free. I’m truly sorry to hear about your loss. We will be praying for you all.

God Bless!