Michelle Dilger, a mum of two, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma – an aggressive type of brain cancer – after initially experiencing “confused and disjointed” speech
A mother’s “confused and disjointed” speech was dismissed as menopausal symptoms before she received a devastating diagnosis of incurable brain cancer.
Michelle Dilger was told she had a glioblastoma – a brain tumour – and given just 12 months to live at the age of 52. However, initial concerns about her speech were brushed aside by GPs as simply signs of the menopause.
It was only when a gynaecologist picked up on her symptoms that the mum of two was referred for an emergency scan, which revealed the cancer. Following her diagnosis, she underwent major surgery at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
Michelle has defied the odds to live for eight years since and, now at 60, she has inspired her son to dedicate his career to funding crucial research into cancers.
Jack Dilger, 29, is donating £1 from every sale of his new sports performance brand, Cramp Killa, to the charity Brain Tumour Research, which harnesses artificial intelligence in a bid to improve glioblastoma treatments.
Jack was in his final year studying marketing at the University of the West of England in 2018 when his mum fell ill. He said: “My mum is an incredibly intelligent woman. She’s always had amazing attention to detail; she’s brilliant with words.
“Then suddenly, she started sending messages that didn’t really make sense. Her speech became confused and disjointed. Looking back now, it was such a clear sign that something was seriously wrong.”
Numerous visits to the GP and A&E resulted in devastating misdiagnoses, including menopause and anxiety. Jack, of from Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, said: “It was only after a routine gynaecology appointment in November 2018 that the consultant saw how unwell she was and referred her for an emergency scan where the tumour was discovered in the 30 minutes it took to complete.
“When I got a phone call from my dad, Richard, he was so distraught I could barely understand him. He said, ‘your mum’s got a brain tumour’ and I felt like the ground had fallen beneath me.”
Jack explained that this ordeal changed his perspective and motivated him to back Brain Tumour Research, owing to its commitment to funding scientific research and discovering a cure.
Jack said: “The experience transformed my outlook on life and inspired me to build a brand with a purpose beyond sport. Cramp Killa isn’t just about helping athletes perform at their best. It’s about creating something positive from an incredibly difficult experience. Every order placed means another contribution towards finding a cure for brain tumours.”
Jack was further inspired by his British swimmer friend Archie Goodburn, who has qualified for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games despite receiving a diagnosis of three oligodendrogliomas at the age of 23.
Brain tumours claim more lives among children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, and more women under 35 than breast cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002. Jack said: “I hope the partnership will unite the endurance sport community behind the cause.
“Endurance athletes and runners raise millions for charity every year. If Cramp Killa can become part of that journey while helping fund research into brain tumours, that would mean everything to me.”
Dan Knowles, Chief Executive of Brain Tumour Research, added: “Michelle’s story is a powerful reminder of why greater investment in research is urgently needed.
“Our scientists are working tirelessly to unravel the underlying biology of these dreadful tumours and uncover new ways to attack them. This invaluable partnership with Cramp Killa will help to fuel new discoveries and pave the way to smarter, kinder treatments for patients. We are hugely grateful to Jack and everyone at Cramp Killa for supporting our vision to find a cure.”