Brittany Hebert Franklin’s story begins in the heart of Louisiana, on a modest rice and crawfish farm in the small town of Abbeville. Raised in a family where faith and perseverance were the cornerstones of daily life, Brittany’s childhood was filled with the hard work that comes with farm life. Her father worked tirelessly in the fields, while her mother wrestled with addiction, leaving Brittany to grow up faster than most. Despite the challenges, the close bonds of her family and community instilled in her a fierce determination and an unwavering belief that she was destined to do something meaningful with her life.
In high school, a seemingly ordinary moment would alter the course of her life forever. At the age of sixteen, Brittany entered a local pageant at a cattle festival. To her surprise, she won. With that crown came new opportunities for public service, and it wasn’t long before she found herself volunteering at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There, she met Dalton, an eight-year-old boy battling cancer with a smile that could light up a room. Watching Dalton fight with such courage ignited a fire within Brittany. As she stood in the hospital that day, she felt a calling deep in her heart, a quiet voice telling her, This is what you are meant to do.
That moment of clarity became the spark that would fuel Brittany’s lifelong mission to fight childhood cancer. But the road ahead was not easy. As a young woman raised by a single mother and navigating a male-dominated oil and gas industry, Brittany faced her share of obstacles. Financial hardship was a constant companion, and building credibility in the corporate world meant proving herself time and again. Yet through it all, her spirit remained unbroken. Every setback only strengthened her resolve to make a difference.
At twenty-one, while working full-time in the pipeline sector, Brittany organized her first fundraiser for St. Jude. The event raised an astounding fifty thousand dollars, planting the seeds for what would soon become Sky High for Kids. Juggling a demanding career with her newfound passion project, Brittany poured her heart into building the organization. Along the way, mentors like Billie Menard and Christl Mafouz offered guidance and support, helping her navigate the complex world of nonprofit leadership.
Sky High for Kids began as a grassroots effort but soon blossomed into a powerful force for good. Under Brittany’s leadership, the organization has raised over thirty-one million dollars for childhood cancer research, with more than forty million pledged to support critical initiatives at St. Jude and Texas Children’s Hospital. Brittany played a pivotal role in establishing the nation’s first pediatric immunotherapy center, a groundbreaking achievement that brings new hope to countless families.
Yet her work goes beyond numbers and milestones. Through programs like Cancer Warrior Packs, Sky High Adventures, and personalized initiatives such as creating art sheds for young fighters like Berra, Brittany ensures that every child touched by Sky High receives more than medical care—they receive love, joy, and the knowledge that they are never alone.
Brittany’s journey is guided by a core set of values that shape everything she does. She believes that courage and faith are the keys to overcoming any obstacle, and that the simple act of asking can open doors to unimaginable possibilities. She often says, The answer is always no unless you ask, a philosophy that has led her to achieve what once seemed impossible.
Her work has touched countless lives, inspiring a ripple effect of compassion and action. Through Sky High, Brittany has empowered children to become advocates in their own fight against cancer, like Berra, whose handmade bracelets spread hope and unity. Families in their darkest moments have found comfort and strength through the programs Brittany and her team tirelessly create.
Looking to the future, Brittany’s vision remains bold and unwavering. She dreams of expanding Sky High’s reach even further, forging new partnerships, and continuing to innovate in the fight against childhood cancer. Above all, she hopes to inspire others to live with purpose and to understand that no dream is too big when driven by love and determination.
Brittany Hebert Franklin’s life is a testament to the extraordinary power of one person’s passion to change the world. From the humble fields of Louisiana to the frontlines of hope, her journey reminds us all that with faith, courage, and heart, anything is possible.
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