A father and mother have both received diagnoses of brain cancer within a few months of each other, presenting the difficult task of informing their teenage children about the devastating news.
Greg Britton discovered a 4.5cm tumor in his brain stem through an MRI scan after experiencing numbness in his toe and losing sensation on one side of his body. The tumor had a significant impact on various functions, affecting his breathing and heart. Although surgery successfully removed the tumor a year later, Greg remains vigilant as he believes it may regrow in the future, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good health and fitness.
Shortly after Greg’s diagnosis, his wife Katie Britton started noticing symptoms of her own, such as headaches, ear pain, and cheek discomfort. Following a visit to Joondalup Hospital in Perth, Australia, Katie swiftly received her diagnosis and underwent surgery the next day to address her own 4cm tumor. Katie clarified that the tumors affecting both her and her husband are unrelated instances of unfortunate circumstances.
After completing her initial round of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Katie expressed the emotional challenge of informing their children, Luke and Charli, about their health conditions. Sharing their story, Greg and Katie aim to raise awareness about early detection, which can enhance survival rates. A fundraiser organized for the Britton family has already raised $18,298 (£9,132) to support their journey.
In a statement on the GoFundMe page, supporters highlighted the family’s resilience in facing these medical challenges and expressed a desire to facilitate a well-deserved retreat for the Britton family once they are both ready to travel. The community’s outpouring of love and encouragement serves as a source of strength for Greg, Katie, and their children during this difficult period.
According to Cancer Australia, an estimated 2,098 new cases of brain cancer were diagnosed in 2025. Treatment options for brain tumors vary based on factors like tumor type, size, and location, with common approaches including surgery and radiation therapy. The symptoms of a brain tumor can range from headaches and nausea to vision problems, balance issues, and changes in speech or behavior.