A Belfast man has opened up about being diagnosed with a brain tumour twice and the support he received as he got back on his feet.
Curtis Barrett was 23 when he was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2017.
When he was first diagnosed with a brain tumour he had brain surgery, and says he received vital support from Young Lives vs Cancer, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people with cancer and their families, and its social worker, Simon.
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Unfortunately, fast forward to 2021 and Curtis relapsed and the brain tumour came back.
“The second time round it was more aggressive – and the doctors treated me with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Being diagnosed so young, I felt angry and was asking why me?” he said.
“I’m 30 now, fit, healthy, back to work and getting married at the end of this year. Simon’s help in supporting me throughout my treatment and after was exceptional. He was a soundboard for me to talk to and introduced me to CrossFit MOVE Forward, which was a lifeline.”
Curtis was speaking ahead of a post-cancer support day offer for young people and families this Sunday, 19 January in The MAC Theatre, Belfast.
A collaboration between Young Lives vs Cancer and other children’s cancer charities in Northern Ireland, it’s a follow on from last year’s successful WTF (Want The Facts?) event. The charities welcome young people and their families to join them for a day filled with engaging talks, fun taster sessions, and helpful resources designed to support them in embracing life to the fullest after cancer treatment.
The event is for those who were aged 0 to 24 years old when diagnosed with cancer but have now completed their treatment. For some that could be recently, but for many it could be a while since they were last in the hospital. It is open to those up to the age of 35 years old and is also open to parents, siblings, and partners of young people.
Curtis after his brain surgery
“Last year I attended the WTF event and it’s all about just meeting like-minded people, going through the same stuff. Like CrossFit, which strives on community – the event is a community of young people who have been impacted by cancer and their families,” Curtis added.
“There is a lot of great information and last year I learned a lot from the fertility clinics. I didn’t know the process of checking if my fertility would be OK post treatment. I’d recommend anyone to attend, to get stuck in and don’t hesitate to ask questions and talk.”
This year the talks will be from a panel of experts in the field. Topics include exercise and managing cancer related fatigue, health and anxiety and living with uncertainty (a separate session for parents on how to support a young person with health anxiety) and fertility. There will then be breakout sessions for parents, siblings and partners to meet separately. Then in the afternoon there are taster wellbeing sessions including yoga, sound bath, sleep advice etc.
If you or anyone you know would be interested in the event you can sign up here.
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