by Susan Wornick
The time that Britney Gengel was missing was brutal. Every passing hour felt like an eternity, every unanswered question a cruel twist of fate. The Gengel family clung to hope in a way that was both heartbreaking and awe-inspiring. Through the uncertainty and unimaginable pain, they never gave up.
Hope was not just a word in those days, it was a force. It was present in every conversation, in every decision, in every moment. It was what guided them through the darkest of times. Optimism wasn’t just something they held on to; it shaped the way they moved forward, even as the unimaginable truth began to set in.
At first, we all struggled to believe that such a cruel and ironic tragedy could be real. How could a bright, compassionate young woman, who had traveled to Haiti to serve others, be taken in such a catastrophic event? How could this happen to her family—people so full of love, generosity, and kindness? But as the days passed and the reality became undeniable, something extraordinary happened. There was never surrender, never a moment of giving in to defeat.
As hope of a joyful reunion shifted to the devastation of loss, an incredible transformation began. The Gengel family, shattered and grieving, somehow found a way to channel their pain into something greater. Instead of letting their sorrow consume them, they used it to fuel a mission far bigger than themselves.
I had the privilege of witnessing this firsthand, and it changed my life forever. The Gengels had never been to Haiti before Britney’s trip, and they had no personal connection to the people tere—until tragedy brought them together. And yet, from the moment they made the decision to honor Britney’s last wish, they committed themselves fully to a cause greater than their grief. They gave up their daughter, but they never gave up on the hope of helping others.
What followed is nothing short of remarkable. Be Like Brit is not just a tribute to Britney’s life—it is a living, breathing legacy that continues to change lives every single day. The home they built stands as a beacon of love and security for children who otherwise might not have had a future. It is a place where joy replaces sorrow, where opportunity replaces struggle, and where love fills the spaces that loss once occupied.
The rest, as they say, is history. But Be Like Brit is more than a story of the past—it is a vision for the future. It is the continuation of Britney’s passion and purpose, carried forward by the people who loved her most. It is proof that even in the face of the worst kind of tragedy, hope never has to die.
Through Be Like Brit, Britney’s spirit lives on. And through the Gengel family’s unwavering commitment to her dream, lives continue to be touched, changed, and lifted just as she always wanted.
