Today’s story in Give It All You’ve Got comes from Brittany, Taylor’s sister.
Hollie’s quote, “You get 3 choices in life: give up, give in, or give it all you’ve got”, inspired this series. Brittany grew up watching her mother become a tireless advocate for Taylor – through diagnosis, surgery, and everything after. That example shaped the person, and the physician, Brittany became.
Brittany is connected with the Hope for HH community through her sister, Taylor. As a sibling, she has a unique perspective on how HH Syndrome impacts not only the individual but the extended family unit. Professionally, Brittany is a hospice physician and Assistant Hospice Medical Director in Western North Carolina.
What “giving it all you’ve got” looks like for Brittany
“I watched my mother be a tireless advocate for my sister for years, through getting a diagnosis, surgery and beyond. I have tried to do the same for not only my sister, my family and also for my patients. Educating the public, families of those with rare diseases and the medical community on those things that are too easily overlooked because of how seldom they are encountered. Everyone deserves medical care by a team who are open to new concepts, interventions and broadening knowledge base.”
A moment that has stayed with her
“One of the most remarkable characteristics of my sister has always been her resilience. Taylor and my parents left for Barrow in Arizona for extensive testing followed by endoscopic surgery. Watching them drive away to the airport was a gut-wrenching experience, being just old enough to be aware of the potential outcomes. Yet, when they returned home, they shared videos of her hooked up to the 24-hr EEG, wires collecting in an electrical box while my father pretended to use a N64 controller to make her move. The fact that they could both find a moment of joy in such a difficult time put in perspective how to get through the tough times.”
What she’d tell a family member who’s just received this diagnosis — and one who’s felt alone in it for years
“Getting a rare diagnosis for a family member is one of the most isolating experiences to have. However, I have watched this community grow from scattered families communicating by email to this incredible group hosting both professional conferences and patient and family conferences. The rare disease community is made up of some of the most incredible and welcoming individuals that I have had the pleasure of knowing. Don’t hesitate to reach out, make a connection and find your people.”
Thank you, Brittany, for turning what you watched your mother carry into a lifetime of advocacy of your own — for Taylor, for your family, and for every patient who needed someone in their corner. And thank you for leading the Family Connections Panel at our 2026 Patient and Family Conference, giving so many families a space to feel less alone. This is why we fight.
Inspired by Brittany’s story? Join the fight for every Hope for HH family. Donate or start your own fundraiser at givebutter.com/2026-hhsyndrome-awareness.
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