Kate’s Story - A Tale of Hope and Inspiration

Imagine being 33 years old in a foreign country, being rushed to hospital with severe headaches, collapsing with a major brain bleed and subsequently being diagnosed with a glioblastoma, the most aggressive of all primary brain tumours.

That was the harsh reality for Kate Coatsworth in 2019. Things could not have been much worse. Kate’s story is not just one of survival, although that is incredible in itself. It is a story of personal strength, character, courage and the love and support of family and friends.

In 2020, a mere few months after completing her treatment, Kate embarked on a fundraising walk for Brain Tumour Support NZ which remains our largest individual fundraiser. She not only earned vital funds that helped the charity through the lean pandemic years but she raised vital awareness through appearances on national television, radio and newspapers.

As she tackled the challenging Te Araroa Trail she drew support from members of the brain tumour community nationwide, many of whom are still supporting the charity today. In many ways, Brain Tumour Support NZ was forged from Kate’s efforts.

Kate’s story is one of hope and inspiration. It is the sixth comic in our research collaboration with Professor Neal Curtis of the University of Auckland on the use of graphic medicine in brain tumours, and the fourth to be illustrated by Janina Gaudin.