A woman’s speech issues were initially attributed to menopausal symptoms before a later diagnosis revealed she had incurable brain cancer. Michelle Dilger, at 52 years old, was given a bleak prognosis of just 12 months to live after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma. Despite medical professionals dismissing her symptoms as menopausal, a gynaecologist eventually recognized the severity of her condition, leading to an emergency scan that confirmed the presence of cancer.
Following her diagnosis, Michelle underwent significant surgery at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Remarkably, she has surpassed expectations and lived for eight years since her diagnosis, now aged 60. Her resilience has inspired her son, Jack Dilger, 29, to pledge a portion of sales from his new sports brand, Cramp Killa, towards Brain Tumour Research, a charity utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance glioblastoma treatments.
Jack’s decision to support brain tumour research stemmed from witnessing his mother’s battle with the disease. He highlighted her sudden speech changes as a pivotal moment that signaled something was seriously wrong. Despite initial misdiagnoses, a timely gynaecology appointment led to the discovery of the tumour.
Motivated by his mother’s journey, Jack aims to contribute towards finding a cure for brain tumours through his brand. He emphasized the importance of turning a challenging experience into a positive outcome, with every purchase supporting research efforts. Additionally, Jack drew inspiration from a friend, Archie Goodburn, who, despite facing his own brain tumour diagnosis, qualified for the Commonwealth Games.
Brain tumours pose a significant threat, particularly among younger individuals, yet receive minimal research funding compared to other cancers. Jack hopes to rally the endurance sport community to support brain tumour research through Cramp Killa. By aligning his brand’s purpose with a cause close to his heart, Jack aims to make a meaningful impact in the fight against brain cancer.
Dan Knowles, Chief Executive of Brain Tumour Research, emphasized the urgent need for increased research investment. He praised the partnership with Cramp Killa, acknowledging the pivotal role it plays in advancing scientific discoveries and developing improved treatments for patients. The collaboration signifies a step towards achieving the shared goal of finding a cure for brain tumours.