Sunshine Coast Electrician Battles Brain Tumour After Vague Symptoms

Brad Collins, a 46-year-old electrician from the Sunshine Coast, has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, known as a glioma, that may have been developing for years. The diagnosis came after he experienced only two subtle symptoms: a slight headache and visual distortions. This unexpected turn of events has left his family grappling with both the medical implications and the financial fallout.

From Health to Hospital

Brad was known for his robust health and active lifestyle, often volunteering in his community and spending time outdoors with his two young sons. According to his wife, Frances Adcock, he rarely visited a doctor and shrugged off minor discomforts. “He had a slight headache about a year ago, but it was just nothing,” she said. “He just kept working.” This resilience, however, masked a growing health crisis.

On January 14, 2026, as Brad began to experience auras—visual disturbances linked to seizure activity—Frances took action. “I thought it must be a stroke,” she recalled. Paramedics were called, and tests in the hospital revealed troubling results. “They noticed his heart rate wasn’t where it should be, but his blood pressure and blood tests were fine,” Frances explained.

Three days later, the family received devastating news: a mass had been found in Brad’s brain. “We were told in the same room as another patient,” Frances said. “The other patient started crying for us. That’s when we knew we were dealing with something really serious.” The glioma was measured at about 3cm and graded between stage 2 and stage 3.

The Unknown Journey Ahead

Living with uncertainty has become the norm for Brad and his family. Doctors are unable to determine how long the tumour had been present, leaving them in a state of anxiety about its growth and prognosis. “They said it could have been growing for years,” Frances noted. “They don’t know how he got it.” Treatment options are varied, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, but they have yet to discuss a definitive plan.

Brad underwent brain surgery in Brisbane three weeks after the diagnosis. Frances described the experience as surreal for someone who had never faced hospitalisation before. “It felt like being at the top of a roller coaster,” he said. For Frances, the waiting was torturous, filled with sleepless nights and the challenge of maintaining a semblance of normalcy for their children, aged four and six.

Frances has faced the dual challenges of Brad’s health and the family’s financial security. Without life insurance due to an oversight in their policy, they have had to establish a GoFundMe campaign to manage expenses, including mortgage payments. “No family should be in this position, especially with young children,” she stated. The costs associated with hospital visits and treatments have added up quickly, compounding their financial stress.

Despite the dire situation, the support from the community has been overwhelming. Friends, neighbours, and even former teachers have contributed to their fundraising efforts. “In the worst of times, you see the best in people,” Frances said, expressing gratitude for the assistance they have received.

Frances urges others to take their health seriously. “If you’ve got symptoms—even small ones—get them checked. Be your own health advocate,” she emphasized. As this family navigates their new reality, they remain hopeful, trusting in the healthcare system and each other.

For now, they focus on each day, cherishing the moments spent together while awaiting further medical guidance. “We’re at the helm of the healthcare system,” Frances concluded. “And we’re just hoping for the best possible outcome.”