Nursing young cancer patients one song at a time

Maddison Franks, 17, of Los Angeles and nursing care manager Barbara Britt talk about Max, Britt’s dog. Maddison, a high school senior, is in for a new round of chemo.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Twelve-year-old James Lee, who has a tumor in his brain stem, listens to Barbara Britt. Five months ago, James, a shy sixth-grader with a book always in hand, had come to the hospital complaining of headaches.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Barbara Britt, left, and Patty Painter, of Los Alamitos, talk at We Can Have Hope camp in Mountain Center. They have known each other for years. Patty’s daughter Jenna passed away Christmas Eve 2006 from a brain tumor. Patty and her husband now help other parents at the camp.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Barbara Britt and Dr. Jonathan Finlay, director of the Neural Tumors Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, work together. The team is a specialized group of doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists and data managers who help families manage the treatments required for brain tumors.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Barbara Britt calls on behalf of her patients. She keeps files on 180 patients; some infants, some in their 20s, most in between. Each day brings a different set of questions to answer and problems to resolve.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Barbara Britt runs back and forth between patients and her office at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Barbara Britt waters her garden in Camarillo. She says her work in the garden helps her balance her very difficult work with families.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Barbara Britt waters her garden at home in Camarillo.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)