Liam O’Dea, 24, launches a GoFundMe page to fund medical school or his own funeral

The 24-year-old’s world came crashing down when a medical check-up regarding prolonged migraines revealed a harrowing diagnosis.

Liam O’Dea is facing a harrowing reality since being diagnosed with a highly aggressive brain tumour just days before being accepted into medical school.

The 24-year-old’s world came crashing down when a medical check-up in August revealed that what he initially thought were prolonged migraines turned out to be a brain tumour.

Overwhelmed, Mr O’Dea spent the next month undergoing surgery to remove the mass in his frontal lobe while also sitting for his med school interview – a dream he spent his whole life working towards.

Liam O'Dea receiving treatment after his neurosurgery. Picture: Supplied

Mr O’Dea’s prognosis was looking positive after he was reassured the tumour was benign so he spent five weeks developing a new lease on life.

However in October, the rug was once again pulled out from under him when a molecular test revealed he had Grade 4 Giant Cell Glioblastoma, a highly aggressive form of malignant brain cancer.

Mr O’Dea got into medical school a few days later, saying it was a joyous moment he wished felt unadulterated from his devastating diagnosis.

“This huge momentous occasion for me is now coloured in a different light, and kind of become a logistical nightmare” he said.

“Even though it’s a huge dream, cancer has taken a little bit of shine from that moment, which is kind of sad.”

Liam recovering after neourosurgery in hospital. Picture: Supplied

He’s now trying to raise funds to support his treatment and dream to go to medical school. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Mr O’Dea is now facing the two challenges head on, raising money to help pay for medical school and his cancer treatment.

However, he knows the money might end up being used to fund his funeral and support a brain cancer research team like the Flinders Foundation.

Despite the hurdles, the experienced paramedic has a sunny personality and warmth that has been a constant throughout his treatment.

Mr O’Dea turned to GoFundMe when he realised his condition left him immunocompromised and unable to work, with the piling treatment costs and medical school debt leaving him in a financial bind.

“That’s the thing about cancer, it really invades a lot of elements of your life, whether you like it or not. There has to be extra consideration, extra thought.”

“I guess it’s difficult not to feel guilty. You’re really dragging people into the crucible with you, for better or for worse, so it’s a way to make something good come out of it and not in vain,” Mr O’Dea said.

“It’s a nice legacy to leave as well. I like the idea of leaving things better than how I found them and came to be.”

Mr O’Dea credits the support of his community and his stubborn overachieving nature, driving his need to get as much out of everyday life and see the fruition of his med school dreams.

“I still fully intend on getting to the end, and being a good GP. That was one of the things I’d always wanted for myself, and I’m not going to let cancer take that”

Liam’s GoFundMe post is titled ‘Liam vs. Brain Cancer’ and has raised more than $35,000.

Originally published as Liam O’Dea, 24, launches a GoFundMe page to fund medical school or his own funeral