Shirley and Michael’s story
Like a lot of our regular givers, Shirley has a very personal reason for supporting our charity. In 2003 doctors discovered her son Michael had a rare pineal germinoma germ cell tumour. He was just 12 years old.
Life changed quickly
“We first noticed Michael had problems with his vision in October, so our GP referred us to the eye hospital. From that initial appointment, everything happened in fast forward – he was admitted to hospital that evening, had an MRI the following day and an operation the day after that.”
“We didn’t know what to do,” Shirley remembers. “I think we were running on adrenaline during that time.”
-
- Michael was just 12 when diagnosed
-
- Determined to keep up, even through treatment
Michael then went through five weeks of radiotherapy, but continued going to school every day.
“He was so brave. Even when he lost his hair he battled on.”
Doctors told the family there was a 95% chance the tumour wouldn’t return, and Michael went on to study at university. By this point, the family were in touch with Brain Tumour Support.
“Apart from hospital visits, we didn’t know about support groups so we were so grateful to be able to meet other families in similar positions.”
“At the time, the charity was called Hammer Out, in memory of founder Tina Mitchell Skinner’s late husband Paul, who was a West Ham fan. We were initially approached and invited to a family fun day, which was a turning point in getting the support we needed.”
Emotional impact
Although Michael’s tumour showed no signs of returning, the family struggled to deal with the emotional impact of his illness.
“When the dust settles, that’s when all the emotional trauma hits you. The fears and ‘what ifs’. Michael had become very withdrawn and was obviously struggling. We both were.”
Brain Tumour Support offered both Michael and Shirley a course of one-to-one counselling, which Shirley describes as ‘so important’ to help them find a ‘new normal’ and give them the tools to process their feelings.
“Being able to speak in a one-to-one setting, without judgment, was wonderful. I don’t think the benefits of counselling can be overstated.”
Support continues
Today, the family continue to attend our Bristol Support Group, and Michael is enjoying his work and close circle of friends.
“I am so grateful Brain Tumour Support gave me the space to talk through my feelings. I am proud to donate to help other families have the same support.”
The difference a regular gift can make
A regular donation to Brain Tumour Support will ensure we can continue helping more families like Shirley’s.
- £6 a month could provide reassurance at the end of the phone for a family member recently diagnosed with a brain tumour
- 10 donors giving £10 a month could give a family tailored, ongoing support following a brain tumour diagnosis, providing comfort and a safe space to talk through their feelings
- £25 a month could provide community and connection for someone who’s feeling isolated through one of our online support groups.
If you are able to consider supporting us with a regular gift, please find out more by clicking the link below.
Become a regular giver
