Brittany Ann Burns was only 8 when a horrific crash completely paralyzed her August 26th, 2005; as well as injuring her mother Elisabeth, and her brother Cameron. She spent a year in hospitals while she learned to deal with her "new" body, and we prepared a home for her, where we could care for her safely and fully, as a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic.

During her stay at Blythedale Children's Hospital she was privileged to meet Rob during his 2005 Christmas Concert. Rob was so gracious, coming back to Brittany a second time, posing for pictures as well as speaking quietly to her and signing a poster. (Cindy Lauper also signed one for her, which helped make the day a memorable one as well!)

Brittany was so thrilled to meet Rob, because she loved his music; she was having a rough patch then - being so far from home for so long, but his brief "visit" really cheered her up, giving her something to talk about for weeks. As we tried to find a way to motivate her, it occurred to me to try and contact Rob, with the intent of simply asking him to write an encouraging note to her. Thanks to a most wonderful man named Jeff, who is connected to this website, I actually got a reply from Rob, which I passed along to Brittany, and she was able to "write" Rob, using an eye-gaze machine to laboriously type her notes, one slow letter at a time, and thus began a "pen-pal" relationship that she treasured.

Brittany came home on October 23rd, 2006; her house wasn't even fully completed, but they managed to move in, set up her hospital room, unpack, organize, arrange nursing, and do all the things that have to be done when you have a patient so completely dependent on others for everything, as well as all the medical care necessary, day and night, to keep her alive. She went on to go back to school, went Trick-Or-Treating, directed their Christmas decorating; she even went shopping at the mall, as well as dining out!

So many wonderful people made that possible - family and friends and strangers alike, , who donated many, many thousands of dollars, and countless hours of their time; but through it all, she kept that spark of love and gratitude to Rob and Marisol for their willingness to write and encourage a little girl who loved his music.

Our precious, precious Brittany died yesterday, just before her 10th birthday; we are heartbroken, and always will be. But we also know that Rob and Marisol played a very important role in keeping her spirits up while we got her home safe and sound, reuniting her with her family and friends, and keeping her focused on the future - she never once asked "Why me?", but only looked forward to her next day, next visit, next task, next activity, and all with a mischevious smile and twinkle in her eyes.

We'll miss Brittany terribly, but we've all learned more about love, and bravery, and courage, from this little girl who went from only being able to move her eyes and needing a machine to breathe for her, to blossoming into a dynamic young lady who showered us with love and laughter. Her example has changed our lives forever, and I wanted to share with you all that Rob and Marisol took the time to care, and made a difference for this brave young girl, and all of us, and we'll never forget - ever!

Thank you, Rob and Marisol. You made a difference in my beloved Boo's life.

Thank you from the bottom of this Grampa's broken heart.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Grampa John,

what a truly touching story. Rob and Marisol are wonderful souls and you and Brittany were blessed by their kindess.

I am so saddened to hear about your loss, and the tragedy everyone suffered, especially your granddaughter, so young.

Rob and Marisol are truly wonderful people, and I'm glad they were able to help Brittany in some ways while she was here.

Thank you for sharing this,

God Bless,

Michele

So sorry to hear of your loss.

I am so sorry for your loss..

*cries*

My heart and prayers go out to you and your family in this time of grief.

I'm so sorry for your loss...

Brittany's love and grace during her ordeal give us all "something to be".

It's wonderful to hear that Rob and Mari's kindness contributed to Brittany's hope and that the friendship encouraged her.

Thank you for sharing the story of your angel with us.

Today, I will count my blessings and give my three children extra hugs in gratitude.

Namaste,

Neds

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Such a tragic loss. What a blessing for Brittany to have shared in the love and kindness of Rob and Marisol and the magic Rob's music brings to this world.

God Bless You,
Cheri

Brittany sounds like a very special, very brave little girl and I am very very sorry for your family's loss. My heart goes out to you all.

Thank you for sharing her story and her webpage and pictures. It's encouraging to read that despite her ordeal Brittany was a happy little girl. I am very happy to hear Rob and Marisol were able to contribute to that too. Both are special people with a big big heart, but that you went out to contact them because Brittany loved Rob's music is beyond wonderful.

{{{{{Brittany & Grampa & family}}}}}} {{{{{Jeff & Rob & Marisol}}}}}}}

i am so very sorry for your loss, grampa john. my deepest sympathy to you and to the family of brittany.

thanks for posting this story, it is very touching and moved me to tears.

rob never ceases to amaze me. he's such a kind guy and i'm glad he made brittany's life a little brighter with the messages he wrote her.

Dear Grampa John,

Brittany and her loving family are in my prayers. I am so sorry for your tragic loss. I hope Rob's music continues to be an inspiration to you and your family.

Much love,

Mary Ann

I am so sorry for your loss. To lose a child so young is just tragic. Brittany sounds like she was an amazing little girl - thank you for sharing her story with us. You and your family will be in my thoughts & prayers.

Mary

Thanks for your kind and touching words. They are MUCH appreciated.

Not only that, but Rob and Marisol sent flowers to Brittany's funeral; they were beautiful, and we were all touched by their kindness. What a wonderful couple they are, to do this for our precious Brittany!

God bless you all, and thank you so much.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Grampa John,

Your story has moved me to tears and I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet, sweet angel. Although Rob and Mari are "just people", we here know what kind and compassionate people they are. I am so pleased that Rob's music and pen-pal relationship gave some soulful healing to your granddaughter. God Bless you and yours.