An anonymous man recently shared an incredible story on a Reddit forum. At the age of 12, he was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called pilomixoide astrocytoma.
The doctors informed him and his family that he had only one year left to live and even suggested contacting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
As a result, his “last” wish was granted, and he was able to take a trip to Hawaii.
At the time of the diagnosis in 2005, there was very limited knowledge about his specific form of tumor. Only three other people in the world had been diagnosed with the same condition, and all had passed away within one or two years of the diagnosis.
Surprisingly, the man’s treatment, which involved radiation therapy instead of chemotherapy, proved to be effective.
After the treatment, he experienced short-term memory loss. While his long-term memory remained intact, he had difficulty remembering names, recent events, or daily details.
To cope with this, he carried a small notebook to jot down important information he knew he would need to remember later.
Despite the initial prognosis, the man defied the statistics and celebrated his 30th birthday.
In the years following the diagnosis, he achieved significant milestones in his life. He got married, became the father of two children, and even got a job at the hospital where he was treated, Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.
In his younger years, he lived each day as if it could be his last and didn’t worry about things like eating healthy or exercising.
However, his perspective changed after getting married and having children. Now, his goal is to live as long as possible to see his children grow, play with them during their childhood, and witness the people they will become.
He has embraced a healthier lifestyle, prioritizing nutritious foods and regular exercise.
