Because He Cares
by Kevin Fritz
It has been eight years since Oviedo High School football standout Britton Daniel was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer that brought life as he knew it to a standstill.
Yet during Britton’s brave – and successful – battle with the disease, he discovered a passion for helping others. Now, Britton is working as a nurse, bringing care and comfort to others, just as his nurses brought to him.
Britton’s cancer journey began in 2018, as he was entering his senior year of high school. He began experiencing pain in his lower back and left hip and at first wrote it off as a strain that would heal on its own. However, the pain persisted.
In August of that year, a 17-year-old Britton was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a type of cancer that affects the bones and soft tissues around the bones – primarily in children and young adults. Fortunately, catching the cancer early, undergoing chemotherapy, and participating in a new immunotherapy clinical trial led to remission in 10 months.
During Britton’s many medical treatments, he began thinking about his future.
“I told my dad during a blood transfusion at Shands Hospital that I wanted a career with a flexible schedule, that would allow me to change paths with the same degree,” says Britton, now 25. “Then a nurse said, ‘Have you considered nursing?’ I had never considered healthcare until that moment.”
I’ll Be There
In August of 2025, Britton became a registered nurse (RN), graduating from Seminole State College. And in December, he completed his studies, earning a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) from the University of Central Florida. Today, he works at Orlando Health in downtown Orlando, assigned to the Vascular Step-Down Unit at Orlando Regional Medical Center.
Britton says the time spent with healthcare professionals during his treatments factored into his decision to become a nurse.
“I thought about how they were always there for me,” he says. “They genuinely seemed to care.”
His supervisor at Orlando Health, Connor Yates, says Britton’s medical journey gives him a unique perspective as a nurse.
“People from the other side come with a little more empathy,” says Connor, a nursing manager and nine-year veteran of Orlando Health. “He knows what it feels like to be a patient.”
The proof lies in Britton’s bedside manner and how well he connects with patients, who in his unit are recovering from heart and/or vascular surgery.
“There was little doubt when Britton first came on, as a nursing assistant before graduation, that he would be successful,” he says. “We’re happy to have him here.”
Staying Strong
Britton will never forget the outpouring of community love and support he and his family received from across Seminole County when he was diagnosed. There was even a movement launched called #B11 Strong (a reference to Britton’s jersey number) to raise awareness about pediatric cancer. His story was featured on the Nov/Dec '18 cover of Oviedo-Winter Springs Life.
“I never expected that level of support,” says Britton, whose mom is Dr. Trent Daniel, principal of Oviedo High School. “At 17, I was just trying to be a kid. I think it really helped my parents, though."
Britton has been cancer-free for several years, but he still travels to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville annually for routine checkups and to visit with his pediatric oncologist. And, he stays in touch with a handful of his biggest supporters from high school, where Britton was also senior class president and MVP of the basketball team.
These days, Britton stays active by working out, playing pickleball, and competing in the Oviedo Recreation Adult Basketball League – wearing number 11, of course. And he is happy to have found the right career path.
“Nursing is really rewarding,” says Britton. “I love having the ability to care for people day in and day out, if just in some small way.”