A young adult facing a serious brain tumor is seeking financial support for crucial treatment. Joscelyne Kerr, 19, noticed a significant change in her eye during her final year of school in 2023 when her pupil became excessively dilated, leading to concerns. Initially thought to be a rare neurological condition, further symptoms like double vision prompted a CT scan at Ninewells Hospital, revealing the presence of a tumor.
Describing the situation, Ms. Kerr shared a surprising observation made by her father, a former military medic, highlighting the unusual nature of her condition. Despite initial dismissiveness due to the lack of typical indicators, as her symptoms worsened, medical attention was sought. Subsequent scans unveiled a rare schwannoma tumor on her third ocular nerve, a challenging diagnosis given its location and rarity.
Initially considered slow-growing, the tumor’s sudden aggressiveness necessitated prompt action. Following surgery that removed 90% of the tumor, Ms. Kerr experienced complications leading to temporary memory and motor skill loss, requiring extensive rehabilitation. Despite setbacks, a biopsy revealed an uncommon and malignant tumor, prompting the need for chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Facing the challenge with resilience, Ms. Kerr opted for experimental medications, resulting in a reduction of the tumor’s size. Grateful for the overwhelming support received from her community, she emphasized raising awareness about brain tumors and the importance of research in improving treatments and outcomes. A fundraising initiative has been launched to support her immunotherapy treatment, aiming to further combat the disease.
For those interested in supporting Ms. Kerr’s cause or fundraising efforts, a link to contribute is provided. The journey highlights the importance of community support and ongoing research to combat brain tumors effectively and save lives.