URGENT UPDATE: A 20-year-old student from Kinross diagnosed with an extremely rare brain tumour is urgently seeking to raise £250,000 for life-saving treatment. Joscelyne Kerr, who has bravely battled cancer since she was just 18, faces a critical moment as her current medication may soon lose effectiveness.
Joscelyne is currently awaiting scan results that could drastically affect her treatment path. Despite her devastating diagnosis of anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (APXA), a highly aggressive form of brain cancer believed to be the first recorded case in Scotland, she continues her studies in astrophysics at the University of Edinburgh.
“They said I had 12-18 months to live. It was a bit of a smack in the face,” Joscelyne shared with STV News. The diagnosis came after her friends noticed a significant change – one of her pupils appeared enlarged. Initially suspected to be an infection, her condition quickly escalated as she experienced severe double vision, leading to hospitalization where the rare tumour was discovered.
Initially reassured that the tumour was benign, Joscelyne underwent surgery only for doctors to later reveal that her condition was far more serious. After multiple treatments, including unsuccessful radiotherapy and chemotherapy, a targeted approach granted her an additional 21 months. However, in September, a new mass was detected, threatening her optic nerve and brain stem.
Joscelyne’s spirit remains unbroken as she launches a fundraiser to support her treatment and research efforts. “There’s so much world out there and so much life and stuff to do,” she emphasized. “If I do end up dying before the fundraising money gets used, it will be for research so that others won’t have to endure what I have gone through.”
Brain tumours are a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in individuals under 40 years old. Alarmingly, only 1% of national cancer research funding is dedicated to this devastating illness. Hugh Adams from Brain Tumour Research stated, “Charities can only do so much; governments need to step up as well.”
As Joscelyne’s family prepares for a holiday over Christmas, they remain hopeful and united. Her mother, Ann Kerr, expresses pride in her daughter’s resilience. “Joscelyne makes my life easy by her strength and positivity,” Ann said. “It’s not to say we don’t sit and have a good cry, but she’s just absolutely amazing.”
Joscelyne’s journey is a testament to the power of hope and community support. As she aims to raise £250,000, her story resonates far beyond her immediate circle, inspiring many to contribute to the fight against brain cancer.
What’s next: As the fundraising campaign gains momentum, community members and supporters are encouraged to contribute and help spread awareness about brain tumours and the urgent need for more research funding.
