By the middle of June 2023, I discovered that I - at the age of 41 - had a brain tumour. By the 29th, I had surgery. By the end of the first week of July, it was officially diagnosed: a grade 2 oligodendroglioma and it was malignant. Brain cancer.

Now, just over 18 months later, I am navigating a “progression-free” state of being. I’m okay. I survived and I’m learning how to live with the numerous tricky and troublesome effects of this disease. It permeates every layer of your life… your entire existence. It can be so devastating. But there can also be so many silver linings to inspire hope and draw courage from. It’s possible to survive and live well.

Since I am able and capable, I’m doing this for those who may not be able to. I’m doing this for their loved ones. I’m doing this for those yet to discover this roadblock in their life journey - because they deserve a somewhat easier path of healing and a much improved journey back to wellbeing and good health. Quality of life is not just about an outcome. It’s about the journey. Research in this field is a journey of discovery and funding affords experts in this field the chance to take the next step forward to improve diagnostic and treatment techniques that can save lives and improve quality of life - and eventually, the ultimate goal… to find a cure. Without funding, this journey stalls or stops altogether and such a destination can’t be reached.

Last year, I was asked to share my brain tumour diagnosis and treatment story with a South African magazine. You can read the feature here: https://oncologybuddies.com/2024/04/01/bronwen-watson-emotionally-i-felt-out-of-character/

Coincidently, this campaign runs until my birthday, 7 March. I hope to raise enough of a contribution to gift someone going through this a much improved quality of life - the most precious gift of all.