A mother and father were both diagnosed with brain cancer within a few months of each other, bringing the difficult task of sharing the devastating news with their teenage children.
Greg Britton discovered a 4.5cm tumor in his brain stem after experiencing numbness in his toe and loss of sensation on one side of his body. The tumor affected various functions, including his breathing and heart. Despite the tumor’s removal a year later, Greg remains cautious as he anticipates its possible regrowth in the future.
Meanwhile, Katie Britton started noticing symptoms such as headaches, ear pain, and cheek pain shortly after her husband’s diagnosis. Following a visit to Joondalup Hospital in Perth, Australia, she received her diagnosis promptly and underwent surgery the next day to address her own 4cm tumor. The couple emphasized that their tumors were unrelated occurrences, attributing them to sheer misfortune.
After completing her initial round of chemotherapy and radiation, Katie expressed the emotional challenge of informing their children, Luke and Charli, about the diagnoses. The Brittons have chosen to share their story to raise awareness about early detection, which can enhance survival rates. A fundraiser was initiated to support the family, with donations reaching $18,298 (£9,132) thus far.
The GoFundMe page established for the Britton family highlights the hardships they have endured and emphasizes the unity and support they have received from loved ones. The page aims to provide an opportunity for the family to enjoy a well-deserved break in the Whitsundays once both Greg and Katie have recovered sufficiently.
According to Cancer Australia, there were an estimated 2,098 new cases of brain cancer diagnosed in 2025. Treatment options for brain tumors vary based on the tumor type, size, and location, with common approaches including surgery and radiation therapy. Symptoms of a brain tumor can range from headaches and nausea to vision problems, balance issues, and changes in speech or behavior.