A family is stepping out to bring hope to families affected by brain tumours as they mark five years since losing their loved one to the disease.
Michael Chandler was first diagnosed with a glioblastoma in February 2014. He underwent surgery, which successfully removed around 95% of the tumour, and had radiotherapy to treat the remaining tumour.
Regular scans followed and Michael was able to get his driving licence back and return to work. But in 2019, his family was dealt a devastating blow.
Michael’s brother, Gary, explains: “Michael had one of his regular scans and his case was reviewed by a multidisciplinary team. That was when they picked up another tumour, this time an astrocytoma, at the top of his spinal cord.
“They told us to imagine we had a ballpoint pen and a clean sheet of paper. If we drew a dot on the paper, that was the size of the second tumour. It was inoperable and we were told that Michael would have treatment to give him as many years as possible.”
Michael had chemotherapy, which was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The treatment resumed but was then withdrawn due to a liver complication. In November 2020, Michael’s speech began to slur and he had another scan. On 18th December, he was told he had just six weeks to live.
Michael was care for at home by his loved ones and MacMillan nurses. He passed away on 22nd May 2021, aged 33, with his loving wife Gemma and family by his side.
“Michael knew what the outcome of his diagnosis would be, but he stayed positive and didn’t let it define him. We all miss him terribly. My daughter Lucy was close to Michael and struggles with the fact he’s no longer here. He wanted us to shield her from the full truth, so we take comfort that the last time she saw Michael, they were able to sit and watch a film together,” Gary said.
Michael with niece Lucy a month after his brain tumour diagnosis
Fuelled by a determination to help others, Michael’s family is taking part in our Walk of Hope at Chatsworth in Derbyshire on Saturday 26th September.
“This year, Walk of Hope falls on what would have been Michael’s 39th birthday. We’ve also just marked five years since losing him so it will be incredibly poignant. It’s hard to talk about what happened to our family, but this will be a positive weekend where we come together, remember Michael and do something positive inspired by him,” Gary added. “Raising awareness is vital and if sharing Michael’s story can help other people, that’s so important to me.”
There’s still time to join the Chandler family and many others at our Walk of Hope at Chatsworth. Sign up today and get support with your fundraising every step of the way.
Or, if you can’t make it to our Chatsworth event, do your own walk, your own way wherever you are. Find out more here.
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