Health concerns are a reality we all face, especially as we grow older.

It's a topic that hits close to home for many Australians, especially seniors.

It's a reminder that life can throw unexpected challenges our way, regardless of our past achievements or current endeavours.


This was the case for AFL premiership player and former coach Danielle Laidley, who recently shared her 'very rare' diagnosis.

Danielle Laidley, famous for her significant contributions to the sport, courageously opened up about her struggles with a brain tumour.

Laidley's health struggles began with persistent headaches late last year.


After undergoing a series of scans and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, doctors discovered a benign brain tumour known as subependymoma.

'I can sit here today and use a quote from my surgeon; it's not going to kill me, but being on my spinal cord, it has to come out,' Laidley shared in an interview with The Imperfects.

'It's sort of like walking around with a stone in your shoe. Some days it really hurts, and other days it's okay.'

The health scare has impacted her professional commitments, including a supposed appearance at the Daylesford Chillout Festival.


The journey to diagnosis was not without its emotional toll.

Laidley and her partner, Donna, were initially met with the stark reality of the situation.

'It was as blunt as, "You have a brain tumour, here's a referral, off you go." Donna and I went really quiet,' Laidley shared.

'For Donna to be quiet, you have got to understand something's not normal. We drove back in the car, and we didn't speak for quite a while.'

'At that point in time, we didn't know what sort of brain tumour. When you say brain tumour, it's like getting hit over the head with a sledgehammer.'

However, after a detailed consultation with her surgeon, Laidley found solace in the prognosis.

The tumour, while a significant health concern, was treatable and brought a sense of relief to Laidley and her partner.


Despite the reassurance, the reality of living with a brain tumour had its ups and downs.

It's a constant reminder of one's mortality and the fragility of health.

Yet, Laidley remains positive and has been focusing on the 'great upside' of the condition being fixed.

Watch Danielle Laidley's story here:

Laidley's contributions to the AFL and her advocacy work are well-known.

She has worked as a football analyst for The West Australian.

She also chronicled her life and her ongoing commitment to her passions and the community.

It's a stark reminder that health must always be a priority, and stepping back is necessary for recovery and well-being.

Danielle Laidley's story is a reminder to all of us to stay vigilant about our health, to seek medical advice when needed, and to support one another through life's challenges.

Her message was one of resilience and the power of a supportive team, the proper care, empathy, and support, one can navigate even the most daunting health issues.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with health challenges, how you've navigated them, and the role that community support has played in your journey. We wish Danielle Laidley a full recovery.