My Mum’s Story

By Tessa Cooper

In memory of my mum – diagnosed in 2012, passed 2014 – Auckland

Hi, I’m Tessa. I was just three years old when my mum was diagnosed with brain cancer in early 2012. Even though I was so young, I remember her being unwell and things changing in our home. It’s only now, as I’ve gotten older, that I understand what she went through—and how strong and loving she truly was.

Our Journey

My mum started getting frequent headaches, but at first, no one thought much of it. Then one day, she had a seizure while at work. I was pulled out of kindy that day, though I didn’t know why at the time. Later, my dad told me that doctors originally thought it was caused by stress. But when she and my dad saw a different doctor and had an MRI done, everything changed. That’s when they found the brain tumour.

She was told she had between six months and two years to live. I only learned recently that she asked my dad not to tell anyone how serious it was—she didn’t want people to worry.

Even while she was so sick, she made sure that my sister and I were happy. We made special memories together as a family, including trips to Australia and Fiji. I now know she was already very unwell during those trips—especially in Australia—but she still came because she wanted us to have those moments together.

Shortly after we returned from Australia, she moved into hospice care. She had surgery to try and remove the tumour, but it didn’t work. They had to take out part of her brain, and it affected her personality. She lost the ability to reason and would get angry sometimes, like when my dad was planning a surprise party and she thought he was hiding something bad.

Eventually, she couldn’t walk anymore and needed a wheelchair. One side of her body stopped working properly. My aunty recently told me that during that time, I would play around her wheelchair to try and make her smile. I didn’t understand how sick she was, but I just wanted to make her happy.

My mum passed away on June 8th, 2014, two years after her diagnosis. I remember sitting in the lounge with my family, and then my dad walked in, crying, and told us she was gone. That’s when I knew I wouldn’t see her again.

Life Since Then

My mum loved deeply, especially my sister and me. She tried to protect us from what was happening and gave us as much joy and love as she could in the time we had. She has shaped who I am. I carry her love and strength with me every day.

Final Thoughts

I was so young when we lost her, but the love she gave me in those two years left a lifelong imprint. She showed me how to be brave, kind, and strong. She is still with me, always.