HeadSmart
Raising Awareness to Save Lives
Did you know…
- Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children?
- Six out of ten children who survive a brain tumour are left with a life-altering, long-term disability?
These shocking facts must change. That’s why the Lewis Moody Foundation supports the HeadSmart campaign to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of brain tumours in children.
Brain tumours are indiscriminate. They can strike anyone, at any age. But still, too often, the signs and symptoms are missed. In fact, one in three people need to visit a medical professional more than five times before receiving a brain tumour diagnosis. This can’t go on.
Early Diagnosis Makes the Difference
Early diagnosis can save lives and prevents long-term disabilities.
So far, HeadSmart has helped reduce average diagnosis times for childhood brain tumours from 13 weeks to 6.5. We want to provide further support for the HeadSmart campaign, accelerate awareness of symptoms and see diagnosis times reduced to four weeks.
The Foundation relies 100% on voluntary donations. By raising money for us, you can help us support the distribution of HeadSmart symptoms cards to families and GPs – giving them vital information about the signs and symptoms of brain tumours in children to make sure they’re no longer missed.
Luke's Story
Mothers’ instinct told Fay that her son, Luke, wasn’t just suffering from a case of school jitters.
Luke, aged six, started suffering from headaches and mood swings and upong returning to school, he started being sick. After running some tests, their local GP suggested that Luke might be worried about school and advised Fay to return if it got worse. Then, one night – a week later – Luke woke up clutching his head, crying in pain and vomiting.
Fay trawled the internet for brain tumour symptoms, which is when she came across HeadSmart. “No one knows their child better than their mum and I knew Luke wasn’t a worrier,” says Fay. “HeadSmart empowered me with the information and confidence I needed to go back to the GP.”
Luke's Story
The GP then referred Luke for an MRI scan, which confirmed Fay’s worst fears. Luke was immediately taken by emergency ambulance to St George’s Hospital, where he underwent a seven-hour operation.
Surgeons were able to successfully remove the whole tumour and after spending three-and-half weeks in hospital, Luke has made a good recovery. He now needs regular scans until he is 25.
“We can’t thank HeadSmart enough,” continues Fay. “Without the campaign our son may not be here today. Early diagnosis not only saved his life but gave him quality of life, as he hasn’t suffered any severe disabilities. Now we’re backing the campaign to save other families our heartache.”
