Kelsey, from Wisconsin, is a young mother and wife, a former dancer and an art and communications major from Coe College in Iowa. She experienced a life-changing brain cancer diagnosis at the age of 30.

Before her diagnosis, Kelsey was active and passionate about weightlifting. Life took an unexpected turn in May 2023 when Kelsey began experiencing numbness in her left arm. It was initially dismissed as anxiety or a potassium deficiency. After several episodes, Kelsey suffered a seizure, prompting an emergency CT scan. This revealed a 4-centimeter brain tumor in her parietal lobe.

The news was shocking, particularly as Kelsey’s grandfather had died from glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. She was admitted to the hospital immediately and underwent successful brain surgery, with 98% of the tumor removed. However, the emotional toll during her recovery was immense. Kelsey felt numb and disconnected as she awaited pathology results. They confirmed she had a grade 3 astrocytoma with an IDH1 mutation—a type of brain cancer with a 5-year survival expectancy.

Kelsey’s treatment plan began with 33 rounds of radiation, followed by chemotherapy with the drug Temodar (temozolomide). She described handling side effects like nausea and fatigue well, though she dealt with extreme tiredness and brain fog. Throughout her journey, Kelsey has had an immense support system, including her family, husband, and in-laws. Her positive mental attitude has also been a crucial part of her coping mechanism, reinforced by her optimistic upbringing.

A major turning point came when molecular testing revealed that Kelsey’s cancer had a specific mutation that slowed its growth. This extended her life expectancy from five years to potentially 12–15 years. Additionally, a new FDA-approved drug, targeted to her specific mutation, offered hope of turning her cancer into a manageable chronic illness rather than a terminal one.

Kelsey has been documenting her cancer journey on TikTok, which has been both a form of video journaling and a way to connect with others in similar situations. She credits her transparency and openness with helping her process emotions and maintain a strong connection with her husband. Kelsey also advises others on the importance of mindset, advocating for maintaining hope and a positive outlook, even amidst the challenges of cancer.

In closing, Kelsey shares an impactful story from a woman who told her there was “magic in cancer,” referring to the perspective shift it brings. Despite its difficulties, Kelsey now values the profound sense of living in the present, which she considers to be one of cancer’s unintended gifts.