WATCH: 7-Year-Old Cancer Patient Vivian Sleeth Makes Big Impact on Steve Wilson, ‘Vivi Has Made Me a Better Person’

By Steve Wilson // November 2, 2022

7-year-old Vivian Sleeth diagnosed with DIPG, a rare form of brain cancer

BRAVE THE SHAVE – SEGMENT 1: Seven-year-old Vivian Sleeth shaved her head in preparation for the next step in her battle with DIPG. Her mom, Brittany, also shaved her head. How about you? The Friday Night Locker Room’s Steve Wilson provides the coverage.

BRAVE THE SHAVE – SEGMENT 2: Seven-year-old Vivian Sleeth shaved her head in preparation for the next step in her battle with DIPG. Her mom, Brittany, also shaved her head. How about you? The Friday Night Locker Room’s Steve Wilson provides the coverage.

BRAVE THE SHAVE: Seven-year-old Vivian Sleeth shaved her head in preparation for the next step in her battle with DIPG. Her mom, Brittany, also shaved her head. How about you? The Friday Night Locker Room’s Steve Wilson provides the coverage.

BREVARD COUNTY • ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA – Occasionally, you meet someone that makes a profound impact on your life – the way you think, the way you act, and the way you carry yourself. I did so recently, and I still marvel at this individual. She is seven-year-old Vivian Sleeth, or Vivi as her mom calls her.

Vivian, from Rockledge, was recently diagnosed with DIPG, a rare form of brain cancer. It is a cancer with no real treatment, and the prognosis for a young person with DIPG is not good.

That being said, I believe Vivi is the exception. I see her as a warrior that will be with us for a long time.

On Sunday, October 30, Vivi was a part of Brave the Shave. This was an event held at her home that was put together by friends.

Vivi was to shave her head in preparation for the upcoming treatment.

STEVE WILSON: Late in the afternoon, when it was time for Vivi and Brittany to shave their heads, the mood changed. We all knew what the day was about, but I, for one, did not expect to see what I saw. Vivi was to go first. Brittany’s fiancé, Mark Huetter, Jr., had some very nice words to say, as did Brittany. When it was time to cut Vivi’s hair, the love came pouring out.

Many friends and neighbors attended the shave, some even had their heads shaved to support Vivi.
Vivi was even one of the “barbers,” and she seemed to really enjoy cutting hair!

To make the day even more special and to support her beautiful daughter, Brittany Sleeth decided to shave her head.

It is hard to put into words what it was like on that sunny Florida afternoon. Everyone was having fun with the head shaving. Music was blaring, and there were plenty of smiles.

Late in the afternoon, when it was time for Vivi and Brittany to shave their heads, the mood changed. We all knew what the day was about, but I, for one, did not expect to see what I saw.

Vivi was to go first. Brittany’s fiancé, Mark Huetter, Jr., had some very nice words to say, as did Brittany. When it was time to cut Vivi’s hair, the love came pouring out.

Brittany was directly in front of Vivi when the cutting started. They held hands, they laughed, and they cried. The bond between Vivi and Brittany was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

The strength that both mother and daughter showed was amazing, there was not a dry eye in the house, including me.

When it was time for Brittany’s hair to come off, Vivi was right in front of her mom, offering love and support. I can only imagine how difficult it was for Brittany to shave her head, but I also know she would not have it any other way.

Sunday was a day I will never forget. I met the family only two months ago but feel like I have known them much longer than that. They are very special people.

In talking about Brittany, one of her good friends, Jannette Connor, put it this way, “Witnessing the love of a mother while processing what her baby girl is up against truly can not be put into words – only seen and felt. I could not be more proud of Brittany.”

One of the goals now is to be loud and spread awareness and support for children with DIPG and pediatric cancer. According to a childhood friend, Ashley Guarrasi, there will be no greater “cheerleader” than Brittany Sleeth.

Guarrasi said Brittany has “always been known for her ability to be loud, always! And I mean that will all the love.”

She continued, “Brittany has shaved her head in hopes of getting noticed so that she can be even louder in advocating for her baby girl.”

Vivi has made such an impact on me that I find myself thinking differently these days. When I get frustrated about things, I think of Vivi. When I get anxious, I think of Vivi. When I get nervous, I think of Vivi.

That’s how you know someone is making an impact in your life. They make you look at things from a different angle. Seven-year-old Vivian Sleeth has made me a better person, and I thank her for that. I thank Brittany, Mark, and the entire family.

– Steve Wilson