A Dad’s Unusual Battle with Brain Tumors

A dad who has battled four brain tumors — discovering one after developing a craving for olives — is raising $50,000 for potentially life-saving treatment in the U.S.

The Unusual Symptom That Led to the Diagnosis

Dan Horrocks, 33, was diagnosed with his first life-threatening tumor in August 2011 and went through brain surgery and started regular scans.

In May 2014 he was told he had another brain tumour and required surgery and radiotherapy.

A third mass in his brain was then identified in July 2018 after Dan developed an unusual symptom and started craving olives — which he hadn’t liked before.

This was followed by his latest — a tumor in his brain and one on his spine — which were spotted in October.

A Long and Arduous Journey

After 14 years including radiotherapy, four brain surgeries, one spinal operation, and six-monthly scans, Dan is now on his ‘last roll of the dice’.

The dad-of-one has almost run out of treatment options in the UK and has raised $50,000 to go to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas to explore pioneering treatments including genetic testing to find a personalized remedy.

Fundraising for a New Treatment

Dan and his wife, Sonia Khan, 32, who works in public affairs, have raised over $62,000 so far — smashing their $50,000 fundraising goal.

The money will be spent on travel and consultations — including genetic tests on Dan and his tumor samples — to see if a personalized treatment can be found.

The couple say more targeted radiotherapy is also available in the US.

A Rare Diagnosis

All Dan’s five tumors have been apendymomas — rare severe tumors which usually affect children around age five or adults around age 45.

Dan said: “The mask they fit for targeted radiotherapy is so tight you can’t blink.

“I experienced panic attacks for the first time — it was horrible.”

The Road to Recovery

Dan had to learn to walk, talk and “think” again after the surgery.

He was left with difficulty balancing, and problems with hearing on his left side and reduced use of his left hand.

Steroids made him gain weight and caused swelling which knocked his confidence.

A New Determination

Dan and Sonia married in 2020 and had their son, Elijah in 2022.

Dan said: “He’s a great happy little boy and gives me new determination to get through this.

“The idea of him having to grow up without his dad is too upsetting.”

Conclusion

Dan’s story is a testament to the power of determination and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges he has faced, he remains hopeful that a new treatment can be found to help him overcome his cancer.

FAQs

Q: What is the prognosis for Dan’s cancer?
A: Dan’s doctors have said that chemotherapy is only likely to be 14% successful in treating his tumors.

Q: What is the plan for treatment in the US?
A: Dan and his wife, Sonia, will need to fundraise again to cover the costs of treatment in the US.

Q: How can I support Dan’s fundraising efforts?
A: You can donate to Dan’s fundraising campaign through [insert link].