A Brain Tumour Research supporter met the woman she bonded with online after they were both diagnosed with the disease on BBC’s Reunion Hotel. 

Jessica Jones (pictured) had to relearn how to walk after a gruelling 13-hour operation to remove an acoustic neuroma in January 2021. The following year, she took part in our 10,000 Steps a Day in February challenge to raise vital funds and awareness of the disease. She now has yearly scans to monitor what is left of her tumour. 

Following her diagnosis, Jess turned to social media to find others who had gone through the same experience as her. She found fellow mum and brain tumour patient Sam, who was diagnosed during lockdown, and the pair became fast friends as they bonded over their shared diagnosis. 

Jess said: “Whilst friends and family are always there for you, nobody understands it until you’re going through it yourself.” 

In the episode of Reunion Hotel, Jess finally met her online friend in the flesh and they hit it off straight away. Thanking Sam for her support, Jess said: “Whilst I wouldn’t wish for anybody to go through this, I’m just so glad that you’ve been on the journey with me.”  

Jess told us: “I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Meeting Sam was amazing and hopefully the show inspires others to seek support when they are going through similar things.” 

You can watch Jess and Sam on Reunion Hotel here. 

Related reading:

• Mum’s tinnitus turned out to be a brain tumour
• Supporters prepare for step-tacular challenge 

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