Roller Coaster Ride Helps Uncover 11-Year-Old's Brain Tumor: ‘A Life-Saving Coincidence’

Connie Campbell (left); A stock image of a roller coaster (right). PHOTO:Brain Tumour Research / SWNS; Thomas Faull/Alamy Live News

A roller coaster ride triggers symptoms in an 11-year-old, revealing a brain tumor just in time to prevent its spread.

In a story that underscores the unpredictable intersections of fate and health, an ordinary family trip to an amusement park unraveled an extraordinary truth. Connie Campbell, now 13, began experiencing alarming symptoms merely two days after riding a roller coaster, leading to the discovery of a medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor. Her mother, Tina Smith, attributes the ride to unearthing the hidden condition in a timely manner, ultimately saving her daughter’s life.

In August 2022, Connie visited a U.K. amusement park with her family, eager to enjoy the thrills and excitement. However, just 48 hours later, her joy turned to concern when she started experiencing persistent headaches and bouts of vomiting.

Connie Campbell began showing symptoms of a brain tumor two days after riding a roller coaster. 

“It seemed too coincidental to ignore,” Tina, 54, shared with South West News Service via The Daily Mail. “I believe the roller coaster dislodged her tumor, which revealed symptoms early enough to intervene before it spread to her spine.”

Connie was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a fast-growing form of cancer that originates in the cerebellum, the brain's control center for movement and balance. According to the Cleveland Clinic, catching medulloblastoma before it metastasizes significantly improves survival rates.

Despite the grim diagnosis, early detection was a stroke of fortune. Connie’s treatment regimen was rigorous, involving brain surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, forcing her to miss an entire academic year.

Connie Campbell.

Connie's resilience has been nothing short of remarkable. Following her aggressive treatment, her most recent MRI scan, conducted in December 2024, showed no signs of recurrence. On the second anniversary of her brain surgery, her mother reflected on the challenges faced by families battling pediatric cancer.

“Pediatric cancer is an unchosen community, yet it’s filled with the strongest children and parents who stop at nothing to give their kids a fighting chance,” Tina wrote on Instagram.

To honor her daughter’s courage and raise awareness, Tina is participating in the London Marathon to support Brain Tumor Research. She draws inspiration from her daughter's neurosurgeon, who described the recovery journey as “a marathon, not a sprint.”

“Connie continues to thrive and amaze us. Her journey has motivated me to take on a marathon of my own,” Tina wrote on her fundraising page.

Tina Smith with her daughter Connie Campbell.

Connie’s story has touched hearts globally, inspiring messages of hope and admiration:

• Nancy: “Such a sweet child—she looks angelic! Wishing her a smooth recovery and a bright future.”
• GB: “Connie, you epitomize strength and resilience. Blessings to you and your family on this journey.”

 Connie Campbell's story is a testament to the profound importance of early detection in battling aggressive conditions like medulloblastoma. Her journey reminds us that even life’s smallest moments—like a ride on a roller coaster—can have the most significant impacts.