…Researched and contributed by Jack Sylva.
Danielle Epstein, a 32-year-old physics teacher, is running the London Marathon in honor of her ex-boyfriend, Jelle Fresen, who is currently battling a grade 4 medulloblastoma.
Danielle admits she left Jelle when his cancer battle became too much for her to handle.
Jelle, a Google software engineer, was diagnosed with the rare tumour in September 2022 when he was 37.
The couple had been buying a house in London when Jelle began experiencing dizzy spells and vomiting, leading to the diagnosis.
He underwent an operation to remove the tumour and received radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but the prognosis for his rare type of cancer is variable.
Danielle experienced panic attacks and her mental health plummeted during Jelle’s treatment, leading to their split.
She moved to Thailand with her dad, but they remained friends, and Jelle will be watching her run the marathon on Sunday in his name for Brain Tumour Research.
Supporting a Friend Through a Cancer Battle
Despite breaking up with Jelle, Danielle still loves him deeply and wants to support him.
She believes she couldn’t stay with him as his partner, as it was damaging her mental health and not helping Jelle.
She describes how their lives came “out from under us” in a single day, and she struggled to sleep or eat due to panic attacks and the stress of the situation.
Danielle says the UK should be scientifically innovative but is behind other countries in the advances they have made in cancer treatments.
She hopes her marathon run can help raise awareness and funds for brain tumor research.
Jelle’s Experience with Cancer
After numerous consultations with GPs and ineffective treatments for an ear infection, Jelle’s vomiting worsened, leading him to get a private MRI scan using his health insurance.
The scan revealed the cancerous tumour, and he underwent surgery in September, which left him with nerve damage, palsy to the right side of his face, and double-vision.
Danielle’s Marathon Run
Danielle admits she is not a runner, but decided to take on the challenge of a marathon to pay tribute to Jelle and support him through his battle with cancer.
Jelle is amazed by her perseverance and discipline and will be cheering her on at the London Marathon.
Commentary
This story highlights the challenges of supporting a loved one through a cancer battle and the toll it can take on one’s mental health.
It also underscores the importance of cancer research and the need for better treatments, especially for rare forms of cancer like Jelle’s.
Danielle’s decision to run the marathon for Brain Tumour Research is a powerful way to raise awareness and funds for the cause.