Shoes freshly polished, pencil case packed: September always holds a sense of promise and potential – and never more so than this year for supporter Clare Smerdon, as today she gets set to take her son Teddy to school for the first time.
It’s a day Clare, 37, from Torquay, feared she would never see, after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma – an aggressive, life-limiting brain tumour – when Teddy was just 13 months old.
Clare’s symptoms began in early 2022 with visual disturbances including flashing lights and rainbow-like patterns across her vision. Soon after, an MRI scan revealed a 7cm brain tumour and she was given a prognosis of just two to three years.
Clare underwent a six-hour operation to remove the tumour, followed by six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy; treatment that left her cognitively impaired and emotionally isolated.
Clare said: “When I received my diagnosis, I didn’t think I’d be alive today to see Teddy start school. This is such a huge milestone for us. I no longer feel like I am dying and feel incredibly lucky, but I know others may not get the same chance. That’s why I’m calling on the Government to increase funding for research into brain tumours – more must be done.
“There are so few treatment options for brain tumour patients, and the ones we do have are invasive and often life changing. My eyesight is already compromised, and my speech has been impacted.”
Determined to make a difference, later this month Clare will take part in our annual Walk of Hope, to raise money and awareness
Clare said: “I want to do everything I can to help fund the research that will lead to better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. If sharing my story and taking part in fundraising encourages even one more person to join the cause, it will be worth it.”
Today, as we share in Clare and Teddy’s joy, we also remember those less fortunate – those little ones who have lost a parent to a brain tumour, and face starting school without their mum or dad to wave them off.
With September marking Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we hold in our thoughts, too, those parents lost in grief for a child for whom today should have marked the start of a brand-new adventure.
We ask you to give what you can to help us fund the fight to find a cure for this devastating disease; donate to Clare’s JustGiving page or why not sign up to take part in our Walk of Hope, too?
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