When 12-year-old Jody started struggling with everyday tasks—tripping over her own feet, fumbling with buttons, losing her balance—her mother, Sarah Levett, chalked it up to anxiety and autism. What they didn’t know at the time was that these small, seemingly unrelated signs were the first red flags of a devastating diagnosis: a fast-growing, aggressive Stage 4 brain tumor.

After a four-year fight, Jody passed away in 2022 at the age of 16. Her loss has left a permanent hole in her family’s life. Now, her mother is sharing Jody’s story, not just as a tribute but as a warning for other parents and caregivers to recognize the signs of brain tumors early—and to push for answers when things don’t feel right.

Jody’s symptoms began innocuously. During the summer holidays of 2018, she started taking longer to get dressed and found it increasingly difficult to do simple things like fasten buttons. At first, doctors attributed these delays to anxiety about returning to school.

But things progressed quickly. Within weeks, Sarah noticed her daughter bumping into objects, walking in a crooked line, and complaining of headaches and nausea. Jody also experienced mood swings, screaming fits, and facial twitching—symptoms that doctors later recognized as classic signs of a brain tumor.

It wasn’t until a second visit to the doctor that Jody was referred for a scan at the Royal Surrey Hospital. That scan revealed a mass in her brain. Within days, she was transferred to St George’s Hospital in London, where surgery removed about 80% of the tumor.

The shock of a cancer diagnosis was compounded by the unknown. Doctors couldn’t identify the exact type of brain tumor Jody had—even after multiple biopsies and surgeries. They could only tell the family that it was fast-growing and aggressive.

Sarah expressed deep frustration about the lack of clarity. “It’s so hard not knowing,” she said. “How can you treat something when you don’t even know what it is?”

This diagnostic uncertainty limited treatment options and made long-term planning nearly impossible. Sarah is now pursuing private testing on Jody’s biopsy samples, hoping they might yield new insights.

After the initial operation, Jody underwent chemotherapy and six weeks of radiotherapy. She missed most of the school year and struggled with common side effects—fatigue, nausea, and hair loss. To ease her discomfort, she shaved her head early and wore bandanas to school when she could attend.

Her resilience stood out. Jody loved school and insisted on staying engaged with her studies whenever possible, even when her body was failing her. Between hospital-based lessons and home tutoring, she did everything she could to stay connected to normal teenage life.

Sarah transferred Jody to a smaller school to better support her medical needs—a move that helped Jody remain involved in learning while managing treatments.

Fifteen months of clear scans gave the family cautious hope—until October, when a routine MRI revealed the tumor had returned. Jody underwent another surgery just before Christmas, followed by another round of radiotherapy and oral chemotherapy.

Then, in July, another tumor appeared. More surgery followed—this time complicated by focal seizures. Despite it all, Jody kept her focus on what mattered most to her: attending school and living life on her own terms.

“She has been through so much,” Sarah said. “But her main concern was whether she’d miss class.”

The emotional toll on the family has been immense. Sarah continues to manage grief, unanswered questions, and the feeling that the healthcare system is under-equipped to deal with rare pediatric cancers.

“There’s just not enough research,” she said. “Not enough awareness. Not enough support for families like ours.”

Subtle Signs of Brain Tumor In Kids

Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among children and adolescents in many countries, yet they receive disproportionately low research funding. The symptoms can be subtle, dismissed as behavioral issues, migraines, or developmental delays—especially in kids. The early warning signs of brain tumors in children include:

• Headaches (especially in the morning)
• Unexplained vomiting
• Balance and coordination issues
• Vision changes
• Behavioral shifts or mood swings
• Delayed milestones in younger children

Sarah has turned her grief into action. She’s organizing a fundraiser for The Brain Tumour Charity, aiming to raise both money and awareness. She also advocates for stronger mental health support for bereaved families, another glaring gap in the current healthcare landscape.

“The main aim now is to stop this from happening to another family,” she said. “To make sure someone, somewhere, hears our story and recognizes the signs early enough to make a difference.”

Jody’s legacy isn’t just in the fight she endured but in the awareness her story now brings. Her quiet bravery, her love for school, and her unshakeable strength in the face of uncertainty have touched the lives of many—and may help save others.

For Sarah and families like hers, the battle doesn’t end with loss. It continues through every conversation, every campaign, and every effort to improve the system for those who come next. If you suspect something’s wrong with your child’s health—don’t wait. Ask questions, request scans, and push for answers. Early diagnosis saves lives.

Ten-year-old Myla from the UK's North Yorkshire, with severe eye strain, was diagnosed with a severe brain tumor that led to her death.

The young girl had been suffering from headaches and dizziness, which were dismissed as mere eye strain due to playing on her iPad too much.

Thinking that she needed eyeglasses, her parents took her for an eye appointment, where she was diagnosed with an aggressive diffuse midline glioma — a type of brain tumor.

Myla was diagnosed with a 7-10cm tumor and was rushed to Sheffield Children's Hospital for an operation to remove 60 per cent of the mass. The youngster underwent a grueling 30 rounds of radiotherapy but tragically passed away on January 15, The Mirror.co.uk reported.

Can Eye Strains Lead To Brain Tumors?

Healthandme spoke to health experts to understand the role of eye strain and brain tumors.

The health experts noted that although prolonged exposure to digital screens can raise the risk of vision problems, they cannot cause brain tumors.

"Eye strain is most commonly linked to prolonged screen use, poor ergonomics, or uncorrected vision, and in the vast majority of cases, it is not a sign of brain cancer," Dr. Parul Maheshwari Sharma, Ophthalmologist and Principal Director & HOD - at Fortis Gurugram, told HealthandMe.

"The likelihood of experiencing eye strain being an indication of brain cancer is minimal," added Dr. Mahipal Singh Sachdev, Chairman & Medical Director, Centre For Sight Group of Eye Hospitals.

The doctors explained that brain tumors are rarely present as simple eye strain; they are usually associated with additional symptoms such as:

• persistent headaches,
• double vision,
• vision loss,
• vomiting,
• neurological deficits.
• convulsions,
• vision changes.

What Is Eye Strain?

Eye strain, also referred to as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, is caused by staring at screens for extended periods of time and decreased blinking.

It generally occurs due to benign factors such as excessive screen time, dry eye, or uncorrected vision.

While prolonged screen use can cause discomfort, dry eyes, and temporary blurred vision, it does not lead to the development of cancer.

"There is no evidence to suggest that screen-induced eye strain can cause brain tumors," Dr Sharma said.

"Although there may be visual changes due to a tumor that involves the optic nerve or hypothalamus, simple eye strain is not indicative of brain tumors and would not be considered an early warning of a brain tumor. There is an extremely low probability that eye strain will be due to a brain tumor," Dr. Sachdev told HealthandMe.

However, the experts agreed that long screen time can lead to severe eye strain.

Red Flags One Should Not Ignore For Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are generally attributed to genetics, exposure to radiation, or other unknown factors.

Numerous types of red flags could indicate the presence of a serious neurological disorder. Some examples include

• chronic or worsening headaches, especially if severe in the morning,
• recurrent unexplained vomiting,
• seizure activity,
• sudden changes in vision, such as double vision or complete loss of vision,
• trouble speaking clearly,
• weakness in the arms or legs,
• drastic personality changes.

Higher-risk patients include:

• those with a history of radiation exposure to the brain,
• specific genetic conditions,
• those with a family history of brain cancer.

Also read: 12-Year-Old Teen Dies From Rare Brain Tumor After Unusual Early Signs, Grieving Mother Urges Parents To Watch For Subtle Symptoms

Steps to Reduce Eye Strain

To help combat eye fatigue, individuals can adopt some simple habits, such as

• Following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Place your computer monitor at or below eye level and keep a comfortable distance from the computer.
• Adjust your screen brightness and contrast to comfortable levels and use adequate room lighting.
• Remember to blink often or use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist.
• Take screen breaks, limit the duration of time you are using your computer, or limit the continuous use of your computer.
• Make sure you are using the correct prescription glasses and consider using an anti-glare screen, which can also help relieve discomfort and protect your eyes from long-term effects.

Ladies, does it ever happen to you that you are not on your period, not PMSing, and still feel moody and upset? Well, as it turns out, experts say that there could be a very simple reason for this. According to researchers at the University of Connecticut, even mild dehydration could be responsible for mood changes in women. Not only this, even 1.36 per cent dehydration can affect your mood, ability to think and energy levels. The Daily Mail notes that a loss of 1.5 per cent of normal water volume levels in the body can be classified as mild dehydration, and its adverse effects can linger for some time.

Read more: The Health Problems Women Normalise, But Gynaecologists Do Not

How does dehydration affect women?

In women, the adverse effects of dehydration can be serious. Experts say that the effects are more intense in women, and they came to this conclusion after analysing the results of tests, which revealed that it does not matter if a person walks for 40 minutes on a treadmill or is in a state of rest — if an individual is even slightly thirsty, the adverse effects will be the same.

Research shows that even 1.36 per cent dehydration is enough to cause the following problems:

1. 8 per cent rise in hostility and anger
2. 12 per cent dip in vigour
3. 17 per cent increase in fatigue
4. 45 per cent dip in concentration
5. 19 per cent worsening of mood
6. 58 per cent dip in understanding simple tasks
7. Headaches worsening two fold

Is thirst the same as dehydration?

Lead researcher of the study, Lawrence Armstrong, noted that a sensation of thirst does not appear until a person is one or two per cent dehydrated. By then, it starts to set in and act up, adversely impacting how the mind and body perform. Dehydration can affect everyone, which is why it is just as important for people in desk jobs to stay hydrated as it is for marathon runners.

Read more: Three Health Checks Every Woman Should Do Each Month, According To Experts

In this research, experts put participants through a series of tests evaluating their concentration, vigilance, reaction time, reasoning, memory and learning. The results were then compared with those of people who were not dehydrated. In younger women, mild dehydration resulted in fatigue, headaches and concentration difficulties. Women also found basic tasks more difficult to execute than usual. On the other hand, young men noted some difficulty in performing mental tasks — they experienced anxiety, fatigue and tension in the process. Mood changes were more prominent in women than in men.

The oral microbiome is the community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that naturally live in the mouth — on the teeth, gums, tongue, and cheeks. More than

700 species are known to exist, most of which are harmless and many beneficial.

However, problems arise when harmful bacteria outnumber protective ones, leading to gum inflammation or periodontal disease. During pregnancy, hormonal changes increase blood flow to the gums and alter immune responses. As a result, many women notice bleeding, swelling, or sensitivity in the gums — a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis.

This is common and reflects physiological changes rather than poor hygiene.

The Mouth's Connection To The Placenta

Pregnancy is a systemic state in which the immune system, circulation, and inflammation are closely interconnected. Chronic gum inflammation can release inflammatory mediators into the bloodstream.

In research settings, certain oral bacteria have also been detected in placental tissues from complicated pregnancies. This suggests a biological link between oral health and

placental function, although the exact pathways are still being studied.

Importantly, this relationship reflects association rather than direct causation.

Why Does Placental Health Matter?

The placenta is an active organ that regulates oxygen and nutrient transfer, hormone production, and immune protection for the developing baby.

Healthy placental development supports:

• Efficient oxygen and nutrient delivery
• Balanced hormone production
• Protection against infections
• Steady fetal growth

What Changes In Oral Health Are Normal During Pregnancy?

Up to 60–75 percent of pregnant women experience some degree of gum inflammation. Common changes include:

• Bleeding while brushing
• Swollen or tender gums
• Increased plaque buildup
• Persistent bad breath

Can Oral Health Really Affect Pregnancy Outcomes?

Research from India and globally shows associations between periodontal disease and higher risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. Meta-analyses

suggest a modest increase in risk (around 1.5–2 times).

However, pregnancy complications are multifactorial. Oral disease alone does not directly cause these outcomes. Genetics, nutrition, metabolic health, and placental

biology all play important roles.

Treating gum disease improves oral health and reduces inflammation, though studies show mixed evidence on whether it directly lowers preterm birth risk. The goal is

prevention, awareness, and overall maternal health.

How Do You Support Healthy Oral Microbiome During Pregnancy?

Daily oral care:

• Brush twice daily with gentle pressure
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Clean between teeth once daily
• Rinse your mouth after vomiting to protect enamel

• Calcium-rich foods like curd and ragi support dental health
• Vitamin C from amla, guava, and citrus helps gum healing
• Fibre-rich foods support saliva flow and microbial balance
• Hydration and lifestyle
• Drink adequate water
• Limit frequent sugary snacks
• Avoid tobacco in all forms

Pregnancy already carries emotional and physical changes, and dental symptoms can add anxiety. Support from partners and family members helps reduce mental load.

Stress can influence immunity and inflammation. Adequate rest, gentle activity such as walking or prenatal yoga, and open communication with healthcare providers

support both oral and overall health.

Warning Signs: When Should You Contact A Doctor Or Dentist?

Seek professional advice if you notice:

• Severe tooth pain or swelling
• Pus, fever, or difficulty chewing
• Bad breath that does not improve
• Persistent gum bleeding for two weeks

Pregnancy is a time when different systems of the body work in close coordination. Oral health, immune balance, and placental function are part of the same continuum.

Gentle attention to gum health is not about perfection. It is about creating supportive conditions for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.