URGENT UPDATE: A 20-year-old student from Kinross diagnosed with an extremely rare brain tumor is urgently seeking to raise £250,000 for life-saving treatment. Joscelyne Kerr, who is currently studying astrophysics at the University of Edinburgh, faces a ticking clock as she awaits crucial scan results that could determine her future.
Just two years ago, Joscelyne’s life took a dramatic turn when a blown pupil led her to seek medical attention. Initially suspected to be an infection, her condition escalated to severe double vision, prompting hospitalization. Doctors discovered a rare schwannoma tumor, which they assured her was benign. However, within months, the tumor had doubled in size, leading to surgery.
Tragically, doctors later diagnosed Joscelyne with an ultra-rare and aggressive form of brain cancer known as anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (APXA), reportedly the first case of its kind in Scotland. “They said I had 12-18 months to live. It was a bit of a smack in the face,” Joscelyne told STV News.
Despite undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, her treatments failed. However, a targeted therapy extended her life for an additional 21 months. The latest twist came in September 2023 when a new mass was discovered, threatening her optic nerve and brain stem.
Joscelyne remains resolute, launching a fundraiser to gather the necessary funds for further treatment. “I think I had a mindset of ‘there’s no point sitting around in my bed, having a negative mindset,’” she expressed. Her goal is not just to help herself but also to contribute to research that could aid others facing similar battles.
In a powerful statement, Joscelyne added, “If I end up dying before the fundraising money gets used, it will be used for research so that others won’t have to go through the hardships I’ve endured.” Her unwavering positivity is inspiring many, as her story underscores the dire need for increased funding in brain cancer research, a disease that claims more lives in those under 40 than any other cancer type.
Hugh Adams from Brain Tumour Research emphasized the urgent need for government action, stating, “Charities can only do so much; governments need to step up as well.” He advocates for a collective effort to secure more funding for research and treatment options.
Joscelyne’s mother, Ann Kerr, reflects on her daughter’s bravery, which fuels the family’s hope. “Joscelyne makes my life easy by her strength and positivity. It makes me go, ‘this is OK, we can do this,’” Ann shared, highlighting the emotional toll yet the resilience they share as a family.
As the family prepares for a holiday between Christmas 2023 and Joscelyne’s next scan results, the community rallies behind them, contributing to the fundraising efforts. Joscelyne’s story is not just a personal battle; it’s a call to action for greater awareness and funding for brain cancer research.
Stay tuned for updates as Joscelyne continues her fight. The urgency is palpable, and any contributions to her fundraiser can make a significant impact on her journey and the future of brain cancer treatment.
