From Father to Daughter: Flourishing After a Brain Tumor Diagnosis

!Jenny Williams
By Jenny Williams

When we think back to childhood, the world often feels infused with a sense of safety and normalcy. But for Jenny Williams, that innocence was shattered at the tender age of 11 when her father was diagnosed with a grade III oligodendroglioma, a fast-growing brain tumor. Instead of worrying about school grades or spending time with friends, Jenny found herself grappling with the terrifying reality that she could lose her dad.

“My dad’s brain tumor journey had a traumatic impact on me as a child,” Jenny reflects. The fear was palpable; she was confronted with the harsh possibility of life without her father. “As a kid, I’d think about all the normal things you’d do with your parents and how that could be taken for granted. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy for other kids who had two healthy parents.”

The emotional upheaval didn’t stop there. The once-vibrant image of her father, just 38 years old, was replaced by a frail figure confined to a hospital bed following brain surgery. “It was scary to think that you might lose your parent. Doctors warned us he could have just a couple more years,” said Jenny, a chilling reminder of the unpredictability of life.

But as time passed, her father’s journey became a tale of resilience. He fought against the prognosis and lived a rich life for 19 years after his diagnosis. “After the initial scary phase of treatment and seeing my dad manage to pull through, it changed my perspective on living with cancer,” she shared. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for Jenny, who herself would face a similar battle years later.

Fast forward to age 25, and Jenny received the same brain tumor diagnosis as her father. The shock, coming as it did after a lifetime of good health, was overwhelming. “I broke down, letting all the anger, fear, and disappointment turn into tears. My mom found me crying on my bed, and her comforting words made all the difference,” Jenny recalls. Her mom assured her, “Jenny, this doesn’t change who you are. You are still the daughter I raised and love. You just have to go to the doctor more often than others.”

This conversation was pivotal for Jenny, helping her to understand that while brain cancer was a part of her life, it didn’t define her. Instead, it provided a newfound strength. Currently, the causes of oligodendrogliomas remain elusive, though researchers have noted that certain gene changes could elevate the risk within families. Interestingly, about five percent of all brain tumors might be linked to hereditary genetic factors, making Jenny and her father’s situation quite rare.

With her mother’s sage advice echoing in her heart and the understanding gleaned from her father’s long battle with cancer, Jenny learned to navigate her own health challenges while maintaining a positive outlook. This positivity soon transformed into a meaningful mission. Jenny leveraged her graphic design talents to connect with the brain tumor community, winning a national t-shirt design contest for the 2016 American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5K Run and Walk events.

But her contributions didn’t stop there. Jenny has become a beacon of hope for others afflicted by brain tumors. Through the ABTA CommYOUnity Connect program, she has served as a mentor for two years, including guiding a fellow survivor named Heeseon. “I am lucky to have Jenny as my mentor,” Heeseon shared. “She’s had the same tumor as I did, and we’re about the same age, which helps us connect on things like managing relationships while dealing with this condition. Hearing someone else’s story inspired me to realize I can thrive after going through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.”

Jenny’s story is not just about survival; it’s an inspiring narrative of empowerment and resilience. Each life she touches brings newfound hope and a sense of belonging to those facing similar challenges.

As we reflect on her journey, it becomes evident that Jenny isn’t just thriving in her own life; she has become an advocate for advancing brain tumor research. The ABTA has played a crucial role in this journey, funding over million in brain tumor research since 1976, with more than million directed toward low-grade tumors like Jenny’s.

In a world where often bad news prevails, Jenny is a shining example of how adversity can be transformed into advocacy, support, and love. As research continues and the understanding of brain tumors evolves, her story stands as a powerful reminder that hope remains, even in the darkest times.