At the Raymond A. Wood Foundation, we’re proud to support brain tumor survivors and their families in their most challenging moments.
Today, we’re honored to introduce you to Taylor, a 23-year old craniopharyngioma survivor.
This is Taylor’s story in her own words
Taylor’s Brain Tumor Story
Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, and my journey with a brain tumor is one that changed me forever.
It started with headaches, dizziness, vision changes and nausea which I brushed off at first, thinking it was just stress or fatigue or a stomach bug . But when the symptoms became persistent, my mom being the nurse she is, she knew I needed to get looked at.
After several tests, including an MRI, I heard the words that would change my life:
“You have a brain tumor. A craniopharyngioma”.
The diagnosis was overwhelming. Fear, uncertainty, and a million questions ran through my mind. I had to learn about tumor type, the size (4.2 cm), and risks, and work with my medical team to decide on the best treatment plan.
A 12 hour surgery became part of my new reality, and recovery was both physically and emotionally challenging. The challenges didn’t stop when I made it home. There were new health conditions and risks, and I even fell and broke my ankle.
Throughout this journey, I discovered my own resilience and the importance of support from family, friends, and even strangers. There were moments of fear and pain, but also moments of hope and gratitude. I learned to appreciate small victories, like walking on my own again, and the incredible kindness of the people around me.
Today, I am current status: in recovery, and I see life through a new lens. My brain tumor story is not just about illness; it is about courage, faith, and the strength to keep moving forward.
If sharing my journey can help even one person facing a similar battle feel less alone, then this story is worth telling.
How You Can Support Survivors Like Taylor
May is brain tumor awareness month, and the Raymond A. Wood Foundation is focused on spreading awareness that benign is not fine. S
urvivors of benign brain tumors like craniopharyngioma often face a lifetime of medical conditions after the successful treatment of the tumor. They need more support, more advocacy, and more research to better understand side effects, conditions, and improve quality of life.
Support our Benign Is Not Fine Rally for Research this month to help us raise the critical funding needed to make that possible.