In January 2025, 15-year-old Callum Stone’s life took a devastating turn, one that no family could ever truly prepare for. A fit and active teenager from Chelmsford, Essex, Callum had always been the picture of health—until a sudden, debilitating migraine left him struggling to speak. This seemingly minor symptom marked the beginning of an agonizing journey that would culminate in a diagnosis no parent could ever expect: an inoperable, aggressive brain tumor.
Hours after Callum’s migraine, the family was thrust into a medical whirlwind that would change everything. What initially appeared to be a simple health issue soon revealed a much darker truth—one that left doctors with few options for treatment and the family with a heartbreaking realization. Despite Callum’s earlier signs being dismissed as minor, a fast-growing glioma had taken root in his brain, with no chance for surgical intervention.
The Heartbreaking Timeline
Callum’s journey to a devastating diagnosis began with what seemed like a minor issue. A fit and active 15-year-old, Callum had no history of significant health problems. But on January 20, 2025, he woke up with a severe migraine that he couldn’t shake off. It was the first sign that something was wrong, but his family initially didn’t think much of it. After all, headaches are common and often related to stress, dehydration, or other everyday causes.
When Callum’s stepdad, Mark, went to pick him up from school, he quickly realized something was amiss. Callum was struggling to speak, appearing disoriented and off. Concerned, they rushed him to the hospital. On the way there, Callum suffered three major seizures in the car, a terrifying escalation that forced the family to act even faster.
At Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, Callum was admitted and tested for a range of potential issues. Doctors initially suspected a viral infection, as scans showed some brain inflammation. They discharged him with anti-seizure medication and reassured the family that everything would likely return to normal soon. Yet, there was still a lingering concern, and the family was advised to continue monitoring his condition closely.
A follow-up appointment at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London on January 31 was when things took a drastic turn. Doctors there conducted a more detailed MRI scan, revealing a large mass in Callum’s brain. The shock of this discovery was profound, as it was far beyond anything they had expected. Just a few days later, Callum underwent a biopsy to determine the nature of the tumor, and on February 11, the results confirmed their worst fears: Callum had a diffuse grade four glioma, an aggressive and inoperable brain tumor.
In the span of just a few weeks, Callum had gone from a healthy teenager to a patient with a terminal diagnosis. This rapid progression made it even harder for the family to come to terms with the reality of the situation. What they thought was a simple headache had turned into a race against time to explore every available treatment option.
The Warning Sign That Came Too Late
Callum’s story began with what seemed like a routine headache. On January 20, 2025, Callum woke up with a migraine so severe that it left him struggling to speak. Initially, his parents didn’t suspect anything serious, as migraines are common and often not a cause for concern. However, as the day went on and his condition worsened, it became clear that something more was at play.
Things escalated quickly: Callum had three seizures on the way to the hospital, prompting immediate medical attention. At Broomfield Hospital, doctors suspected a viral infection, as scans revealed brain inflammation. He was discharged with anti-seizure medication and told to monitor his symptoms. However, a follow-up MRI at Great Ormond Street Hospital on January 31 revealed a large mass in his brain.
The biopsy results on February 11 confirmed their worst fears: Callum had a diffuse grade four glioma, an aggressive and inoperable brain tumor. The tumor’s “cobweb-like” growth pattern made surgery impossible, as it would require removing too much healthy brain tissue.
The timing of the diagnosis felt like a cruel twist. A simple headache had been the first—and only—warning sign, and it came just hours before they learned of the tumor. The family was left grappling with regret, questioning why the severity of the symptoms wasn’t recognized sooner. Despite the late discovery, they were forced to face the reality that the tumor’s growth had already reached an irreversible stage.
Though the diagnosis was devastating, Callum showed remarkable maturity. He expressed concern for his family rather than himself, smiling and hugging his parents when they delivered the news. Despite the grim prognosis, the family immediately focused on exploring alternative treatments, determined to continue the fight.
Understanding Brain Tumors in Teens
Brain tumors are among the most feared medical diagnoses—and with good reason. They can be aggressive, difficult to detect early, and life-threatening. While brain tumors are more commonly associated with older adults, they can and do occur in children and teenagers. In fact, after leukemia, brain and central nervous system tumors are the second most common type of cancer in children and adolescents.
Callum was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an especially aggressive and fast-growing type of tumor. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) accounts for only a small percentage of pediatric brain tumors, but it is one of the most lethal. It typically originates in the brain’s supportive tissue and tends to spread rapidly, making it difficult to treat—especially when diagnosed late. Even with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the prognosis for glioblastoma remains poor, with median survival rates ranging from 12 to 18 months in adults. In children and teens, outcomes are often worse due to the tumor’s aggressive nature and the limited treatment options available.
What makes brain tumors like glioblastoma particularly dangerous in young people is how easily early symptoms can be missed or dismissed. Headaches, mood swings, fatigue, and even occasional dizziness can all be attributed to stress, puberty, or lifestyle factors. Because teenagers are in a stage of rapid physical and emotional development, it’s easy for subtle warning signs to blend in with the noise of normal adolescent behavior.
Unlike some cancers that present with clear, visible symptoms, brain tumors often remain hidden until they start interfering with critical brain functions—such as vision, balance, coordination, or in Callum’s case, intracranial pressure that led to bleeding. By the time these symptoms become apparent, the tumor may already be advanced.
Why Early Symptoms Are So Easy to Miss
One of the most troubling aspects of brain tumors in teens is how quietly they develop. Unlike injuries or infections that cause obvious pain or swelling, brain tumors often start with symptoms that seem minor or easily explained. Headaches. Trouble concentrating. Feeling tired all the time. Changes in mood or sleep habits. For most teenagers, these are part of everyday life—products of school stress, screen time, hormones, or not getting enough sleep. That’s exactly why symptoms of brain tumors are so frequently missed. They’re often brushed off as growing pains or normal adolescent changes. A teenager who sleeps more than usual or complains of the occasional headache usually won’t raise red flags.
Even when symptoms begin to pile up, they may appear slowly and inconsistently—making it difficult for parents or doctors to connect the dots. In Callum’s case, there were no previous red flags. No memory problems, vision issues, or nausea—just the one severe headache that finally signaled something was wrong. But many other teens with brain tumors do show subtle signs in the weeks or months leading up to a diagnosis, though they may be too vague to recognize in real-time. According to the Brain Tumour Charity, common early signs can include persistent headaches (especially in the morning), unexplained vomiting, balance issues, or personality changes.
The challenge lies in knowing when to be concerned. After all, not every teenager with a headache has a brain tumor—but sometimes, a pattern or escalation can signal that it’s time to dig deeper. Pediatricians emphasize the importance of paying attention to persistent or unusual symptoms, especially when they deviate from a child’s normal behavior or routine.
What Experts Say About Adolescent Cancer Detection
Medical experts agree: diagnosing cancer in adolescents is particularly challenging, especially when it comes to the brain. That’s because the symptoms often overlap with common, non-serious health issues. Dr. Paul Fisher, chief of pediatric neurology at Stanford Children’s Health, has emphasized that “the early symptoms of brain tumors in kids can mimic far less serious conditions, such as migraines, viral infections, or even emotional stress.” It’s this overlap that often leads to delays in diagnosis.
The rarity of aggressive brain cancers like glioblastoma in young people further complicates early detection. According to the American Brain Tumor Association, glioblastoma accounts for just 3% of all pediatric brain tumors. Most general practitioners may go their entire careers without seeing a single case in a teen, which makes it less likely to be considered in early evaluations unless there are very clear neurological signs.
Specialists stress the importance of observing patterns rather than isolated symptoms. Dr. Susan Chi, a pediatric neuro-oncologist at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, notes that “persistent symptoms—like repeated morning vomiting, worsening headaches over time, or unexplained balance issues—are the kinds of red flags we look for.” These symptoms, when recurring or progressively worsening, warrant further investigation through neurological exams or imaging like MRIs.
Public health organizations have also been working to improve education around early cancer detection in young people. Campaigns such as the UK’s “HeadSmart” initiative have aimed to reduce diagnosis times by raising awareness among parents, teachers, and primary care providers about key symptoms of brain tumors in children and teens.
Callum’s Fight Against the Odds
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Callum’s journey is far from over. His family remains determined to explore every possible treatment option, both in the UK and abroad. After completing six weeks of daily radiotherapy and beginning chemotherapy, the family continues to hold onto hope, awaiting results from future scans. With no further treatment options available on the NHS, they are actively pursuing alternative therapies, including immunotherapy in Germany and clinical trials in San Francisco.
Callum’s condition has transformed the lives of his family in ways they never could have imagined. They have turned to a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for these critical treatments, hoping to give Callum the best chance at survival. The outpouring of support from family, friends, and strangers alike has been a lifeline during this incredibly difficult time.
For Callum and his family, the fight is ongoing. They refuse to give up, knowing that every possible chance for recovery is worth pursuing. The journey ahead is uncertain, but they remain hopeful and committed to finding a way forward. As the family moves forward, they hope that their story will serve as a reminder of the importance of paying attention to early warning signs, no matter how small they may seem.
Featured Image Source: Callum Stone’s GoFundMe
