A 20-year-old student from Kinross, Scotland, is defying the odds after battling a rare brain cancer known as anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (APXA). Joscelyne Kerr was diagnosed in 2023, marking the first recorded case of this particular cancer in Scotland. After undergoing high-risk surgery at just 18, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2024, Joscelyne faced the grim reality that these treatments were not effective.
In a hopeful turn of events, she joined a clinical drug trial that promised significant results. After a challenging start to the year, Joscelyne received the life-changing news that the trial drugs had successfully diminished her tumor.
Raising Awareness for Brain Tumour Research
Now, Joscelyne is using her experience to promote the Brain Tumour Research Christmas Appeal, which aims to fund groundbreaking research. She expressed her astonishment at the trial’s success, stating, “It was such an unbelievable thing to hear as we never expected the crystallised core of Pedro to be dissolved by the drugs.”
Despite her positive news, Joscelyne remains cautious. A recent scan revealed a small speck that could either indicate a new tumor or a stressed nerve. Nonetheless, she continues to embrace life fully, refusing to let her diagnosis define her. Currently, she is in her third year at the University of Edinburgh, where she studies astrophysics. Joscelyne remarked, “My outlook on life wants me to believe it’s just an anomaly. I try to protect myself mentally and focus on enjoying life until I’m told otherwise.”
Celebrating Christmas with Family
With Christmas approaching, Joscelyne is excited to celebrate the holiday season with her family. She acknowledged the special attention she receives as people want to make every moment count, saying, “Sometimes people want to make everything extra special, thinking it might be my last, but they can’t get rid of me that easily!”
Reflecting on previous holiday experiences, she shared, “Last year I had an amazing time in New Zealand with my uncle and cousins. This year I’m looking forward to our normal Christmas routine, which includes gingerbread competitions, long dog walks, and family games.”
Joscelyne emphasizes the importance of being with loved ones, which drives her commitment to support Brain Tumour Research in its mission to find a cure for this illness. “If I can make a difference and raise awareness for everyone out there who deserves to be heard and seen, then I feel honoured to be one of the faces for the charity’s Christmas appeal,” she stated.
Brain tumors pose a significant threat, affecting individuals of all ages and resulting in more fatalities among those under 40 than any other form of cancer. Alarmingly, only one percent of national cancer research funding has been allocated to brain tumors since 2002, underscoring the critical need for increased awareness and support for research initiatives.
Through her journey, Joscelyne Kerr not only exemplifies resilience but also serves as a beacon of hope for many facing similar challenges.
