Beyond Survival: Life after a Childhood Brain Tumour

This video is based on findings from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research funded research project “The Journey for Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumours: From Post-Treatment into Adolescence and Adulthood” led by Dr. Roberta L. Woodgate at the University of Manitoba. This research explored the lived experiences of young people who survived childhood brain tumours highlighting the needs, challenges, and strength as they live with and manage the long-term effects of survival. Family members also participated in the study. In addition to being interviewed, young people took part in the photovoice process which involved them taking photos to illustrate their lived experiences. The short video “Beyond Survival: Life after a Childhood Brain Tumour” captures one of the study’s central themes: for these young people, survival is just the beginning. Although they survived cancer, their journey did not end with survival. Far from it—they continued to face struggles. Through the photographs and their stories, young people expressed that “survival is only half the story.” The video conveys the emotional landscape of life after a childhood brain tumor and underscores a vital message: support must extend well beyond survival.