Two days after riding a roller coaster at a U.K. amusement park in August 2022, 11-year-old Connie Campbell began experiencing headaches and vomiting. Her mother, Tina Smith, suspects the intense ride may have “dislodged” a previously undetected malignant brain tumor, leading to the onset of symptoms that ultimately saved her daughter’s life.
Smith found the timing of her daughter’s illness too coincidental to ignore. “It was two days later that she started being sick, which seems too much of a coincidence for the two things not to be related,” Smith told South West News Service via The Daily Mail. “I suspect the rides dislodged her tumor and, if that’s the case, I’m glad because I was told we found it at a good time, before it spread to her spine.”
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Following the onset of symptoms, Campbell was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a fast-growing type of brain cancer that originates in the cerebellum. According to the Cleveland Clinic, early detection and treatment of medulloblastoma significantly increase the chances of survival, especially before the cancer spreads to other parts of the brain or spinal cord.
Campbell underwent a year of aggressive treatment, including brain surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, causing her to miss a year of school. The experience inspired Smith to participate in the London Marathon to raise money for Brain Tumor Research. She recalled the words of Campbell’s neurosurgeon: “‘this is a marathon, not a sprint’. Not an optional run; a survival run.”
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Smith documented her daughter’s journey on a dedicated Instagram page, sharing updates and expressing gratitude for the support they received. On the second anniversary of Campbell’s brain surgery, she reflected on the challenges of pediatric cancer, highlighting the strength and resilience of children battling the disease and their families.
Smith wrote on her fundraising page, “She continues to thrive and amaze us, which has inspired me to take on a marathon of my own.” In a December 2024 update, Smith joyfully shared that Campbell’s recent MRI scan came back clear.
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Campbell’s story highlights the importance of early detection in cancer treatment and the power of community support. Despite facing a life-threatening illness, Campbell continues to pursue her passion for dancing, demonstrating her remarkable spirit and determination. Her mother’s dedication to raising awareness and funds for brain tumor research underscores the ongoing need for advancements in treatment and care for those affected by this devastating disease.
