Indi Powell bravely navigates a challenging journey of surgeries, therapies, and clinical trials since being diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer four years ago. At just 18 years old, Indi shares her story to shed light on the limited funding and treatment options in the UK for families dealing with similar diagnoses.
The journey began when Indi, then 14 years old and living in the US, started experiencing intense headaches. Initially dismissed as stress-related, a visit to the pediatrician in 2021 revealed a large tumor on her brain. Subsequent surgery unveiled a grade four glioblastoma, leading to a long road of treatments and surgeries to combat the aggressive cancer.
Despite facing challenges like loss of vision and relearning basic tasks post-surgery, Indi underwent extensive treatments, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and clinical trials. A T-cell infusion therapy in the US brought her hope and strength to continue the fight against cancer.
Now back in the UK, Indi continues her education with a goal to study child psychology at university. However, regular trips to America for check-ups highlight the disparities in brain tumor research and treatment between the two countries. Indi emphasizes the need for increased investment, innovation, and access to clinical trials within the UK to provide hope for patients facing similar battles.
Brain tumors, particularly affecting individuals under 40, receive minimal research funding in the UK despite being one of the deadliest cancers in this age group. Indi’s collaboration with Brain Tumour Research aims to raise awareness and advocate for more significant investments in brain tumor research to improve outcomes and offer hope to families affected by this challenging disease.