In 2017, Vicki was diagnosed with an astrocytoma after battling severe migraines and vision issues. She faced surgery, complications, and an awake craniotomy with remarkable resilience. Despite the tumour growing to Grade 3, she endured chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and seizures—all while holding onto hope for her daughter. Now, her tumour is shrinking, and her story is a powerful reminder that strength and belief can defy the odds.

DISCLAIMERAny of the sites under Claire Bullimore or Aunty M Brain Tumours is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content on Aunty M Brain Tumours is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment.

Maria Peta was diagnosed with a meningioma on New Year’s Eve 2009 after her initial symptoms were misdiagnosed as migraines. A second opinion revealed a golf ball-sized tumour, changing the course of her life. As she navigated the fears and uncertainties leading up to surgery, she used humour to cope.The operation marked the beginning of a long recovery, where Maria struggled with her identity and emotional well-being. Counselling played a vital role in helping her process her experiences. Over time, she connected with others affected by brain tumours, finding purpose in advocacy and support work with Brain Tumour Research.Now, 15 years later, Maria reflects on her resilience, the lessons learned, and how time has shaped her journey from diagnosis to self-acceptance.DISCLAIMERAny of the sites under Claire Bullimore or Aunty M Brain Tumours is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content on Aunty M Brain Tumours is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment.

In this inspiring episode, Kiera Mitchell shares herpowerful story of resilience after being diagnosed with a Medulloblastoma brain tumour at just 19, and left her with mobility issues. She talks about her challenges of rehabilitation and how fitness became a crucial part of her recovery. From struggling with mobility to regaining independence, Kiera’s journey highlights the importance of perseverance, strength training, andmental resilience. Now living life on her terms, she encourages others tokeep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles. Tune in to hear Kiera’s messageof hope and determination.

DISCLAIMERAny of the sites under Claire Bullimore or Aunty M Brain Tumours is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content on Aunty M Brain Tumours is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment.

Katie Smith shares her journey of being diagnosed with an oligoastrocytoma, the challenges she faced with treatment and recurrence, and her ongoing battle with uncertainty and grief. She discusses her advocacy for brain tumour research and the impact of her experiences on her family. Katie emphasizes the need for awareness and the emotional complexities of living with a brain tumour while also highlighting her determination to make a difference for others in similar situations.

DISCLAIMERAny of the sites under Claire Bullimore or Aunty M Brain Tumours is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content on Aunty M Brain Tumours is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment.

Madi Ruby, has been living with a brain tumourfor more than half of her life. First diagnosed at 23 in 1995 with a 6cmmeningioma, she underwent surgery and built a successful career in TV sales andIT, all while raising her son with her husband, Neil. But in 2013, her tumourreturned—this time with multiple growths.

Despite setbacks, Madi refused to let herdiagnosis define her. She retrained as a counsellor, earned a PhD,

DISCLAIMERAny of the sites under Claire Bullimore or Aunty M Brain Tumours is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content on Aunty M Brain Tumours is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment.

Through the eyes of her parents, we witness Amani’s heartbreaking yet powerful journey with Glioblastoma Multiforme Amani's strength never wavered from the first symptoms to the desperate fight for treatment. She dreamed of making a difference, and she did that —her #WalkofHope and #Chat2Amani were just the beginning.
Even after her passing, Amani’s parents continue her mission, turning pain into purpose. They’ve built a primary school in Malawi, fundraised for a community centre in Uganda, and fiercely advocated for brain tumour awareness and research.
Amani’s story is more than tragedy—it’s a testament to faith, resilience, and the impact one life can have. "Don’t forget our daughter". Brain tumours don’t discriminate. Let’s keep fighting.

Steve Blake was diagnosed with an inoperable meningioma. For 18 months, he battled misdiagnoses before finally hearing the words "You have a brain tumour." The emotional toll of brain surgery and the harsh reality of recovery tested him in ways he never imagined. Brain surgery was just the beginning—he had radiotherapy, and the challenge of rebuilding life followed. Now, Steve is turning his journey into purpose—advocating, fundraising, and sharing his story so no one else has to face this journey alone.

DISCLAIMERAny of the sites under Claire Bullimore or Aunty M Brain Tumours is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content on Aunty M Brain Tumours is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment.

Julia’s world changed with an incidental finding—a sphenoid wing meningioma that doctors said could never be fully removed. From the emotional toll of diagnosis to the complexities of brain surgery, radiotherapy, and Gamma Knife treatment, her journey has been anything but easy. Yet, through it all, she’s leaned on community, humour, and resilience to keep going. With support from Brainstrust and the kindness of her neurosurgical secretary, Julia now shares her practical tips and hard-earned wisdom for navigating life after surgery. She knows she’s one of the lucky ones—and she’s here to help others find strength in the face of uncertainty. #BrainTumourAwareness #Meningioma #BrainTumourAwarenessMonthDISCLAIMERAny of the sites under Claire Bullimore or Aunty M Brain Tumours is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content on Aunty M Brain Tumours is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment.

Matthew Warne shares his journey with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), detailing his initial diagnosis, treatment experiences, and the emotional and physical challenges he faced. He discusses the importance of mental resilience,exploring alternative treatments, and making lifestyle changes to cope with the disease. Matt emphasizes the significance of support systems and planning forthe future while navigating the complexities of medical advice and personal health management.

DISCLAIMERAny of the sites under Claire Bullimore or Aunty M Brain Tumours is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content on Aunty M Brain Tumours is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment.

In this heartfelt interview with Sarah Long, we learn abouther son Oscar, a young boy full of life and promise. Oscar was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and devastating brain tumour. His initial symptoms— a tilted head and memory issues—marked the beginning of afight no family should ever have to endure. Throughout his battle, the family focused on creating joyful memories, cherishing every precious moment together. But as thedays passed, palliative care became crucial, offering comfort in Oscar’s final moments. His parents channelled their grief into a mission to raise awareness, funding, and hope for future research. They organized events, rallied communities, and even placed tiles at the Brain Tumour Research "Centresof Excellence" in Oscar’s honour—symbols of love, loss, and the desire to make a difference. Their story underscores a heartbreaking reality: the severe shortfall in government funding for brain tumour research, especially for rareconditions like DIPG. In this interview, Sarah shares how Oscar’s legacy inspires action and how the family is determined to ensure that no other child faces what Oscar did without hope for a cure.

DISCLAIMERAny of the sites under Claire Bullimore or Aunty M Brain Tumours is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content on Aunty M Brain Tumours is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment.