A brain tumour patient who says a trip to the optician “saved her life” is raising awareness to help find a cure for the disease.
Katie Dunn was diagnosed with a meningioma – the most common form of adult primary brain tumour – after she was referred for an MRI scan following a routine eye test where an abnormality was noticed in both eyes.
“I feel like the eye test saved my life and eyesight – as if the tumour was left any longer, I could have lost my vision completely due to it pressing on my optic nerve,” Katie said.
She underwent two surgeries to remove the tumour and in December 2022 underwent fertility preservation before starting radiotherapy.
In between surgery and treatment, Katie and her family raised almost £3,000 for Brain Tumour Research by taking part in 10,000 Steps a Day in February. The challenge is back for 2023 – find out how you can get involved and get your FREE emoji t-shirt and printed steps tracker here.
Katie, pictured after surgery and with her medal which she received for taking part in the challenge, added: “I feel fortunate to be able to share my story to help raise awareness. I’m incredibly thankful to my neurosurgeon, Mr Mathad and radiotherapy consultant Dr Enrico Clarke who have looked after me.
“It’s made me realise that even when you don’t feel that you’re strong enough to deal with something like this, when it comes to it you somehow find the strength within you.”