Month of Hope

Throughout January, we are sharing stories and messages of resilience, inspiration, and support. Follow and share our #MonthOfHope social posts to help shine the light for people who have been affected by a brain tumour.

Hannah has hope running through her veins. Life as a young mum was changed completely by her astrocytoma diagnosis, but her positivity and resolve to fight, heal, and help others has inspired us all. Read Hannah’s empowering story.

When life feels overwhelming, and the challenges seem too great, it’s easy to feel lost in the darkness. But just like the stars that shine brightest at night, moments of light and hope often appear when we need them most. Look for the stars.

There is real hope in connecting with others. Support groups, whether online via Zoom, face-to-face or through our private groups on Facebook, can ensure you don’t feel alone in what you are going through. Find out more about support groups.

After a cancer diagnosis, people often consider diet changes to help manage some symptoms and the keto diet is a popular choice. Research is still limited, and you should always consult your medical team, but for those who find it beneficial, it can be a source of hope and empowerment for daily life.

Shaun is all about hope and a positive mindset. The diagnosis of an inoperable oligodendroglioma was life changing but he was determined to set goals and regain fitness – and 18 months after being in a wheelchair he climbed Snowdon. Read the story behind Shaun’s challenge.

HOPE keeps us going but your bravery gives you the strength to do so –
to keep trying
to show up
to come back
you are brave
Let yourself know it today

Everyone around you might be making big goals and plans for the year. But, when living with a brain tumour, looking too far ahead can feel very overwhelming.
You can keep moving forward by implementing small habits each day. Taking a day at a time really helps.

Adam remembers he was in ‘a pretty dark place’ after being diagnosed with a grade 4 astrocytoma. He went through surgery and extensive treatment, and had to give up driving and his job. However he has kept positive, including finding motivation through fundraising and he’s now proud to lead the Team Adam Champion Fund. Read Adam’s story.

When facing tough times and challenges, the words we tell ourselves can make a difference. Affirmations – positive, empowering statements – can help us find hope, strength, and courage, even on the hardest days. Speaking these words can help shift your mindset, calm your heart, and remind you of your resilience.⁠

It is amazing how the first sight of snowdrops or daffodils blooming, can give us a boost. ⁠Flowers can appear so delicate but they have the power to grow in the most difficult of environments.⁠ When we’re facing the toughest of challenges, hope is something we all hold on to, and it can give us the encouragement and power to face each day.⁠

When we are facing challenges, we often need an outlet to express feelings or release stress.⁠ For Julie it was art. For many years she has cared for her son who has a brain tumour and she now raises funds for Brain Tumour Support through selling her beautiful artwork. Art is a great way of externalising feelings that may be difficult to put into words, and often it can just calm the mind to reconnect with a sense of possibility and hope.⁠ Read about Julie’s fundraising.

When faced with a sudden and daunting diagnosis it may seem that sharing times of hope and real joy would be impossible. But Ali talks about how her family found those moments after her mum Sylvia was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, and how important that was for them all in coping with bereavement 💙 Read Ali’s moving story.