Woman misdiagnosed post-flight symptoms—discovers deadly brain tumor

What started as a sore wrist after a long-haul flight turned into a devastating diagnosis for Abi Smith—a deadly brain tumor that changed her life forever. Now, she’s using her journey to warn others and support life-saving research.

In the summer of 2019, 30-year-old Abi Smith from the West Midlands, UK, was excited for a trip to the US for her cousin’s wedding. At the time, she was a busy PR officer in Manchester, often working long hours at her computer. When pain began in her right wrist and forearm, she assumed it was carpal tunnel syndrome—a common issue for those who type frequently.

But once she landed in the US, her condition rapidly worsened.

“I couldn’t move the right side of my body. My eye turned inward, and I ended up in a stroke ward surrounded by people twice my age,” Abi shared. She had no idea her symptoms were signs of something far more serious.

The shocking diagnosis

Back in the UK, Abi was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for a full-body MRI. That’s when doctors discovered the real cause of her terrifying symptoms—a brain tumor.

“At first, they thought it was multiple sclerosis. But the MRI revealed a tumor at the base of my brain, with part of it stretching along my spine,” Abi said.

The tumor in her brain was inoperable due to its delicate location, but the tumor on her spine was successfully removed in July 2019. Recovery wasn’t easy—she lost her ability to swallow and was on pureed food for two months.

Brave fight through treatment

Abi underwent six weeks of radiotherapy and six months of chemotherapy to shrink what remained of the tumor. The intense treatments caused her to lose all her hair—a moment that left her shocked when she first looked in the mirror.

But she called it “a small price to pay” for the chance to survive. “There seemed to be a possibility of curing the cancer, unlike living with MS,” she recalled.

Thanks to support from the Little Princess Trust, Abi received a donated wig, which helped her feel more like herself during treatment.

Today, Abi is doing her part to raise money and awareness for Brain Tumor Research. She still attends regular check-ups and now runs a business called The Cancer Card, a greeting card company that donates proceeds to support brain tumor research.

“This Christmas, I’m encouraging people to support the Brain Tumor Research Appeal. Every pound donated helps fund the breakthroughs we desperately need,” Abi said in a recent interview.

Abi Smith’s story is a powerful reminder to listen to your body and never ignore unusual symptoms—even if they seem minor at first. Her courage and advocacy are helping others fight the same battle and shining a light on the urgent need for more brain tumor research.

Please consider supporting the Brain Tumor Research Christmas Appeal—and share Abi’s story to help spread awareness.