Whilst working at Tonbridge School in 2013, mother of three – Laura de Bono, 54 – discovered a brain tumour that would dramatically change her life and has released a book detailing her emotional journey so far.
The ‘massive’ brain tumour needed surgery to remove it, however after the operation Laura experienced a cerebral vasospasm. The lack of oxygen caused brain damage and resulted in hemiparesis with her speech and language disappearing, with her left side being totally paralysed.
In 2019, whilst writing her experiences down, Laura realised the symptoms, both clinically and anecdotally, were like dementia. Explaining more about the similarity, Laura told us: “It’s the same brain injury as vascular dementia (lack of oxygen causes the brain damage) and the same loss of memory, loss of speech, confusion and fatigue.
“I have many friends who are struggling to care, or even to interact with their parents who are suffering from dementia. Therefore, I wrote a simple and short book to help them understand.”
The book titled ‘Losing My Mind – Insider Knowledge to Understand Dementia’ hopes to change readers’ views on dementia and their conduct with dementia sufferers, and is also filled with self-mockery and beautiful illustrations to lighten what is a serious topic.
After Laura’s operation, she was sent to Tonbridge Community Hospital for rehabilitation after six weeks in specialist hospitals to take part in neuro-physiotherapy, occupational therapy, as well as speech and language therapy.
Laura spoke very highly of the hospital explaining: “The Cottage Hospital’s wrap- around care includes these vital therapies with constant care. I made progress in my movements and speech, and I was treated as a proper person, not a ‘patient’. I left the hospital in a wheelchair and semi-silent, i.e. I wasn’t completely recovered, but the progress was there.
“The Cottage Hospital started my recovery with compassion and care. It wasn’t a sterile clinical hospital; it was a stepping stone to a life at home with my family.
“While I was slowly recovering, I noticed the hospital was careworn and with inefficient facilities for the patients and staff. As a thank you, when my book was published, I pledged to raise £5,000 for this NHS hospital which quietly contributes to the locality. I have managed, so far, to raise £3,500 through a JustGiving fundraiser page and I now have a book signing event at the hospital to try to raise a bit more.”
Laura is still recovering to this day but manages to find the time to raise much needed funds for a local hospital who carry out some amazing work and care for their patients.