In a heartbreaking turn of events, a vibrant and apparently healthy 25-year-old woman died from advanced bone cancer after being misdiagnosed with sciatica. Kate Drummond's life took a devastating twist when she sought an MRI scan privately, uncovering a grapefruit-sized tumor in her pelvis.

Kate, an active individual, first attributed her worsening back pain to *poor posture* or overexertion during workouts. However, as the pain spread to her hip, she sought help at her local A&E in Devon in May 2021, where doctors dismissed her symptoms as *probable sciatica*, a nerve condition often seen in older patients.

Her sister, Kelly Drummond, recalled that it was astonishing for the doctors to see someone so young—Kate was one of their youngest patients diagnosed with such a condition. Despite the initial diagnosis, Kate's pain intensified, leading to restricted mobility.

Concerned about her deteriorating condition, a spinal physiotherapist urged Kate to get a private scan. On July 7, 2021, the results shocked everyone: a large tumor was found in her pelvic region, alongside numerous metastatic deposits on her spine.

The official diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma—a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer—came on August 3, 2021, following a biopsy at Birmingham Hospital. Kelly expressed her devastation: "The news was life-altering, primarily for Kate but also for everyone who loved her. The sense of disbelief and guilt was overwhelming; we all wished we could have done more to advocate for her sooner."

Despite undergoing months of rigorous treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Kate's cancer spread rapidly. By January 2022, the disease affected nearly every organ, resulting in catastrophic failures of her liver and kidneys.

Kelly described the situation as a shocking rapid decline, noting, *"It was as if everything changed overnight."* Tragically, Kate passed away in March 2022 in the hospital.

In an effort to raise awareness, Kelly is sharing her sister's story, urging others to *listen to their bodies* and to be their own advocates in medical situations. As a personal trainer from Devon, she reflects on how critical early diagnosis can be, emphasizing that Kate's tumor had likely been growing unnoticed for up to two years.

"What began as back pain turned into a dire situation within days, ultimately leading to multiple tumors throughout her body. This rapid progression of cancer is a stark reminder of its unpredictability," Kelly said.

April marks Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month, and both Kelly and the Bone Cancer Research Trust, the UK's leading charity for primary bone cancer, are committed to spreading awareness about the importance of early detection and the potential life-saving impact it can have.