Kim Borthwick, a 36-year-old mother of twins, is advocating for increased attention and resources for rare cancer research, particularly for brain tumors. Diagnosed in January with an aggressive brain tumor just a week after experiencing initial symptoms, Borthwick faces a prognosis where reaching her 40th birthday would place her among the longest-surviving 10% of individuals with her diagnosis.
Her experience has led her to cherish everyday moments with her four-year-old twin sons, Max and Freddie. "I don't know if I'll see them start school," she said, reflecting on how the diagnosis has brought clarity to enjoying her time with them. "You take those little moments for granted until you realise they could be taken away."
Borthwick noted that her personal battle has underscored what she perceives as an "injustice" regarding the lack of progress in brain cancer survival rates. She pointed out that while survival rates for many other cancers have improved significantly over the years, those for brain cancer in the UK have remained largely stagnant for decades.
In response to this situation, Borthwick has joined the Brain Cancer Justice (BCJ) campaign group. The organization is calling on politicians to offer greater support and funding for rare cancers. BCJ is also advocating for the appointment of a dedicated minister for rare cancers to ensure consistent focus on research, funding, and policy development.