A woman is preparing to take part in our 10,000 Steps a Day in February Challenge after her daughter was diagnosed with a high-grade brain tumour whilst pregnant for the first time – with twins.
Barbara Hollands, 59, is stepping out inspired by her youngest daughter Kylie Weatherby’s diagnosis with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
Kylie (pictured left with Barbara) was 36 weeks pregnant when, in May 2021, she received the shocking news that she had a brain tumour. Doctors allowed the then 32-year-old to continue with her pregnancy until 28th May when she delivered her twin babies, Luca and Malena, at 37 weeks by caesarean section.
Having undergone two brain surgeries, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Kylie was told last October, that her cancer cells were no longer detectable and she showed no evidence of disease. She is now being monitored with three-monthly scans.
Barbara, who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung condition that causes difficulty breathing, said: “This is the first fundraiser I’ve ever taken part in but I think I’ll be able to do it. The most important thing is to raise money for research because it’s only with continuous research that things will improve and it might only take something small to help those affected live that extra few years.
“I’m hoping I’m not going to lose Kylie, but I also have to face the possibility I might have two babies to bring up at some point. By doing this challenge I could help fund a breakthrough that could stop this disease from taking her away from me.”
To support Barbara with her fundraising, visit her Facebook fundraiser here.
You can put your best foot forward and take part in 10,000 Steps a Day in February to help find a cure for brain tumours. To register, click here to join our friendly Facebook group and follow the three simple steps to sign up.
Related reading:
If you found this story interesting or helpful, sign up to our weekly e-news and keep up to date with all the latest from Brain Tumour Research.