A grieving family is seeking answers following the passing of their son, who succumbed to complications stemming from intensive medical treatments he received 25 years ago. Collin Junior Lou Macari Stoke City Price, named after his father’s passion for the football club, passed away at the age of 27. His health challenges began at the age of two when doctors diagnosed him with a malignant brain tumor known as medulloblastoma, after noticing developmental delays, seizures, and lethargy.
Collin underwent a rigorous treatment regimen involving surgery and radiation therapy to combat the aggressive tumor located in the cerebellum, a critical area of the brain responsible for coordination and movement. However, the treatment inadvertently led to unforeseen consequences.
Over two decades later, Collin was readmitted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital on January 10, 2024, after experiencing seizures. Subsequent scans revealed the development of another brain tumor, identified as glioblastoma, attributed to the radiation treatment he received in childhood. Despite efforts, Collin passed away on June 22 at the Douglas Macmillan Hospice, with medical experts confirming the lack of a cure for his condition.
Family members of Collin express their belief that his repeated annual CT scans, aimed at monitoring for tumors, may have exposed him to unnecessary radiation, potentially contributing to the development of the second tumor. They argue that earlier detection could have extended Collin’s life and improved his quality of life.
Dr. Adam Fullagar, a clinical oncologist at the Royal Stoke, acknowledged the likelihood of the second tumor arising from the childhood irradiation used to treat the initial tumor. He emphasized that while early detection might not have altered the outcome due to the aggressive nature of glioblastomas, the annual CT scans may not have been necessary. Coroner Andrew Barkley supported the medical findings, stating that Collin’s demise was a rare complication resulting from essential medical interventions, highlighting the complexities faced by healthcare providers in such cases.
Remembering her son fondly, Zoe Phillips described Collin as a bright, humorous individual who brought joy wherever he went. She commended his resilience in facing medical challenges and expressed the family’s enduring sorrow over his loss.