Facing Brain Cancer with Strength and Hope: Kelsey’s Story
May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month—a time to elevate stories of courage, resilience, and breakthroughs in treatment. One such story comes from Kelsey Stokstad, a young mother whose life changed drastically after a sudden seizure led to a diagnosis of a brain tumor.
Kelsey first experienced unusual numbness and tingling in her arm—symptoms initially attributed to anxiety. But when the episodes worsened and culminated in a grand mal seizure, a CT scan revealed a 4 cm tumor in her parietal lobe. That moment was life-altering.
Despite the overwhelming diagnosis, Kelsey faced her journey with bravery. Her surgeon removed 98% of the tumor during an eight-hour operation, and further tests revealed she had an IDH1 mutation—a key finding that extended her life expectancy and qualified her for a newly approved targeted therapy.
Kelsey’s story is one of both vulnerability and empowerment. She shares openly about the emotional toll, the impact on her family, and the physical demands of treatment. Yet through it all, she holds on to a powerful truth:
“Cancer gives you perspective. It reminds you that life is fleeting... but never lose hope.”
Today, she continues treatment and shares her journey publicly to inspire and inform others navigating a similar path. Her story underscores the importance of self-advocacy, early testing, and the ongoing advancements that give patients more options—and more time.
About the Patient Story
The Patient Story shares authentic patient experiences with compassion and scientific rigor. Starting with cancer and expanding to other conditions, the platform combines patient narratives with medically vetted information on symptoms, clinical trials, insurance, and support—presented in a human-centered way.
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This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
