Here is Danielle’s Astrocytoma story:
From Patient to Advocate: How Danielle McGriskin Turned a Brain Tumour Diagnosis into a Mission for Change
At just 14 years old, Danielle McGriskin’s life changed forever.
In July 2011, the Lisburn teenager was diagnosed with a Grade 2 Astrocytoma, a type of brain tumour, along with hydrocephalus — commonly known as “water on the brain.” What followed was a journey filled with surgeries, specialist appointments, radiotherapy, and uncertainty. Yet through every setback, Danielle chose to focus on something bigger than herself.
Today, she is recognised not only for her courage in facing a life-changing diagnosis but also for becoming one of Northern Ireland’s most passionate advocates for brain tumour awareness and research.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Danielle’s tumour is located on top of her brain stem, one of the most delicate and complex areas of the brain. Since her diagnosis, she has undergone more than 20 operations to manage hydrocephalus and the complications that come with it.
In 2013, Danielle was referred from Belfast to Bristol for specialist treatment. Following a biopsy, doctors confirmed her tumour was active and recommended six weeks of IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy).
The treatment took place over Christmas and New Year 2013–2014.
The result? Her tumour shrank by three millimetres — news that brought hope to Danielle, her family and her medical team.
While the physical challenges continue, Danielle’s determination has never wavered.
“Stay Strong, Keep Positive… Always.”
The simple motto became more than words. It became the mindset that carried her through some of the toughest moments of her journey.
Living Beyond the Diagnosis
Life with a brain tumour doesn’t end when treatment finishes.
Like many people living with long-term neurological conditions, Danielle continues to manage symptoms and adapt to new challenges. She has explored complementary therapies, including acupuncture, to help improve her quality of life and manage ongoing discomfort.
But rather than allowing her diagnosis to define her, Danielle chose to use her experience to help others.
Discovering a Bigger Problem
Shortly after her diagnosis, Danielle learned a statistic that shocked her.
Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 in the UK, yet historically have received only a small proportion of cancer research funding. Determined to help change that reality, Danielle began fundraising and speaking publicly about the need for greater awareness and investment in research.
What started as a personal mission soon became a movement.
Turning Personal Pain into Purpose
Danielle established The Danielle McGriskin Fund, becoming the first supporter group in Northern Ireland affiliated with The Brain Tumour Charity. Her efforts inspired people across the country to organise fundraising events, awareness campaigns and community initiatives in support of brain tumour research.
In recognition of her extraordinary work, Danielle was selected as one of The Brain Tumour Charity’s Young Ambassadors in 2014.
Since then, her fundraising total has continued to grow, with The Danielle McGriskin Fund raising almost £150,000 to support research, awareness and support services for those affected by brain tumours.
More Than Fundraising
The impact of Danielle’s work extends far beyond financial contributions.
Through speaking engagements, media appearances, blogging and advocacy, she has helped thousands of people better understand what life with a brain tumour is really like. She has become a voice for patients, helping ensure that those affected by brain tumours feel seen, heard and supported.
Her dedication has earned widespread recognition, including awards and national honours celebrating her commitment to helping others while navigating her own health challenges.
Why Danielle’s Story Matters
Danielle’s journey is about far more than a diagnosis.
It’s about resilience in the face of uncertainty.
It’s about finding purpose through adversity.
And it’s about using personal experience to create lasting change for future generations.
More than a decade after hearing the words “you have a brain tumour,” Danielle continues to prove that one person can make an extraordinary difference.
Her story is a reminder that awareness saves lives, research creates hope, and even in life’s most difficult moments, there is power in choosing to help others.
For Danielle, the mission remains the same today as it was when she first began fundraising as a teenager: to ensure that no one facing a brain tumour feels alone — and to help bring us one step closer to a cure.
