A routine eye test led to the discovery of a dangerous brain tumor in a teenage girl named Macie Hallitt. Macie, who lives in Farnham, Surrey, did not realize that there was anything wrong with her eyesight until she visited Specsavers. During the appointment, she couldn’t read letters on a board and was unable to distinguish between different colors. This alarmed her mother, Maxine Stevens, who took Macie to the hospital for further testing. Just six days later, Macie was diagnosed with glioma, a type of brain tumor that accounts for one in four childhood cancers.
Macie’s mother was shocked to learn that Macie hadn’t even noticed her vision problems. The optician asked Macie to read the lowest row of letters on a board, to which she responded, “There aren’t any letters, just a big A.” Photos of Macie’s eye revealed damage to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. The optician promptly referred Macie to Frimley Park Hospital, and her mother received an urgent call for Macie to come in that morning.
Scans and eye tests conducted at the hospital showed that Macie had no peripheral vision and was color-blind. The consultant suspected that there was something compressing her optic nerve, possibly a tumor. An MRI confirmed their suspicions, revealing a glioma pressing on Macie’s optic nerve. She was immediately admitted to the hospital. Gliomas are particularly challenging to treat due to their tendency to grow and infiltrate brain tissue.
In response to the diagnosis, Macie’s mother started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for her care. She had to close her business as an event planner because of the uncertainty surrounding hospital appointments and ongoing treatment. She also realized that it would not be practical for Macie to sleep in a bunk bed while receiving chemotherapy. The support from friends, family, and even strangers has been overwhelming.
Macie visited the optician to express her gratitude by bringing a bouquet of flowers. Though the news is devastating, she is thankful that the tumor was found and can now be treated. Macie’s journey ahead will be challenging, with brain tumor treatment, potential loss of eyesight, chemotherapy, and the loss of her hair. However, the family is taking it one day at a time and appreciating the support and love they have received from others.
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