It is with great sadness and an empty heart, that we announce the passing of Brandi Nicole Dalton Riber.
She slipped from our grasp on December 27, 2021. Brandi was born in Xenia, Ohio on November 1, 1974. If you knew Brandi, you knew this quote was true of her. “They whispered to her; you cannot withstand the storm. I am the storm, she whispered back.” As a small child and into her teen years, we knew we had a spirited child on our hands. Whatever she did, she gave it her all. From a small child learning to ride her bike with two skinned knees and elbows, she never gave up. We witnessed her on the soccer field in high school after being battered by an opponent, when she had finally had enough, she took care of the situation. As she stood over the player, she raised her arms in victory after finally winning the ball from her and stopping the abuse. We did not know right away the tenacity her spirit would hold…and how it would serve her in later life.
Brandi became an R.N. and found her forever job with Florida Cancer Specialists. This truly was her life
calling, working and caring for patients for over 16 years in Fort Myers, Florida. Little did she know that she would become a patient herself. In 2010, with her nearly 3-year-old daughter in tow, she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Finally, after enduring several surgeries and repeated chemotherapy she was deemed cancer-free nearly 5 years later. However, just short of those 5 years, cancer returned with a vengeance.
In 2014 she was re-diagnosed with MBC (Metastatic Breast Cancer) and would bear more chemotherapy and six trial drug studies, as she endured at least seven recurrences. The spirited child in her continued to fight until her last ounce of strength left her. Brandi proved to be an example of determination and fearlessness for everyone who knew her, especially for her patients to whom she felt a connection like no other. As a mother, she fought so hard and discreetly so that Morgan could lead a normal life.
Brandi leaves her love legacy to her precious daughter, Morgan, who was her first reason to live and fight. Brandi takes part of her loving parent’s hearts with her, Jerry and Terry Dalton, brother Blake Dalton (Liza), several cousins and extended family members and friends who loved her. She was grateful to her former husband Adam, for his endless care, love, and support in the last years of her fight, along with the many friends, patients, and co-workers who helped her along her way. We cannot thank the staff of doctors enough, especially Dr. W. Harwin, along with his colleagues, beloved friends/nurses, Diane Cope and Sandy Leahy, and many others at Florida Cancer Specialists who worked tirelessly to add days to her life.
If you are so inclined, the family requests any memorials should be given to METAvivor.org. Throughout the six study drugs made possible by more funding, Brandi was given more time with us and gave hope to many others fighting this horrible disease. Brandi lifted up so many others with her grace and strength which provided them with the hope they needed to face their challenges. METAvivor is the only organization that solely funds MBC research through a scientific peer-review process. 100% of all donations go into MBC-specific research grants. METAvivor is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.
Stage IV needs more. Let’s find a cure.
The world has lost a bright force that won’t soon be forgotten. Brandi knew she lived a gifted life and she will continue to bless us with the love and memories we shared with her. Her illuminating light will always shine through her daughter’s eyes. When you see a sunflower, please think of her.
“I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for
always, As long as I’m living my
baby you’ll be.”
From the book:
LOVE YOU FOREVER
by Robert Munsch
