This National Share A Story Month, Ria Melvin explains why she is working with Brain Tumour Research to help raise awareness of this devastating disease.
When Ria was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) just over two years ago, she was devastated to be given a survival prognosis of 12 to 18 months. Like many patients in her situation, she struggled to come to terms with her diagnosis.
In recent months, Ria decided she was ready to share her story.
She said: “After discovering how limited the options for brain tumour patients are after my diagnosis, I was interested in campaigning and working with politicians to make a change. Through this, I came into contact with Brain Tumour Research and worked with the charity to share my story.
“It was painful to start with, but I realised that I was ready to talk about my journey with a brain tumour now – I certainly wasn’t in the early days.
“I was surprised at how many people were interested in my experience. In the last few months, I have been interviewed on my local radio, my story has been in my local paper and I’ve also been on a national news website.
“I’ve also spoken to my MP who is the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Prime Minister about the desperate need to increase the national investment into brain tumour research. It gives me a real sense of purpose, knowing I am helping others in my situation.
“Sharing my story has given me something positive to focus on. It means so much to me to be able to help raise awareness of brain tumours, knowing that what I am doing will make a difference for future patients.”
If, like Ria, you would like to share your story, please contact our PR team: media@braintumourresearch.org
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