24-Year-Old Paramedic’s Brain Tumor Dismissed as ‘Lazy Eye’ and ‘Nothing Serious’ 4 Times Before Her ‘Rare’ Diagnosis

Paramedic’s Brain Tumor Misdiagnosed as ‘Lazy Eye’ Before Proper Diagnosis

A shocking medical misdiagnosis has come to light, with a 24-year-old paramedic in England being repeatedly told that her symptoms were nothing serious before finally being diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. Hannah Lemanski, from Middlesbrough, had been experiencing persistent headaches, vomiting, and double vision for years, attributing these symptoms to stress related to her work. Despite visiting her doctor multiple times, she was initially dismissed and told she was developing a “lazy eye.” It was only during her fifth visit to an eye assessment clinic that she was diagnosed with central neurocytoma after an MRI scan.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Lemanski expressed her initial relief upon being told her symptoms were not serious, only to have lingering doubts about her health. She described her journey to a correct diagnosis as frustrating, stating, “After going back so many times and getting nowhere, I was starting to think it was all in my head.” The turning point came in March 2023 when she received the devastating news of her brain tumor, leading to surgery later that year to remove a significant portion of the growth in her brain ventricles.

Despite undergoing successful treatment, a routine scan in March 2025 revealed that the tumor was recurring. Lemanski’s consultant recommended a non-invasive and highly targeted gamma-knife surgery as the most effective treatment. However, she faced a setback when her application for this procedure was denied by NHS England, leaving her feeling frustrated with the system’s limitations. Determined to access the necessary care, Lemanski took matters into her own hands by starting a petition to reform the NHS Individual Funding Request process, garnering over 3,000 signatures in support.

With the cost of her treatment estimated at up to $27,000, Lemanski’s friend, Becky Calpin, launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for her medical expenses. Describing Lemanski as a vibrant and caring individual, Calpin highlighted her positive impact on those around her and her desire to start a family with her husband. The outpouring of support from donors has been overwhelming, exceeding the initial fundraising target and providing hope for Lemanski’s future treatment.

As her journey continues, Lemanski remains grateful for the generosity and solidarity shown towards her cause. She emphasised the significance of every donation in helping her access the necessary medical care to combat her brain tumor. In a statement to Teeside Live, Lemanski expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are eternally grateful for every single person who’s taken the time to read, sign, share, and donate.” She is currently awaiting a consultation in London to progress with the gamma knife surgery, underscoring the importance of timely and effective healthcare in managing her condition.

The challenges faced by Lemanski underscore the complexities of navigating healthcare systems and the resilience required to advocate for one’s well-being. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of timely and accurate medical diagnoses, as well as the critical role of community support in times of need. As she continues her fight against the brain tumor, Lemanski’s determination and the outpouring of support from well-wishers reflect a shared commitment to ensuring access to essential healthcare for all.