The Truth About Tom Parker's Terminal Cancer Diagnosis
The Wanted's Tom Parker, who celebrated his 32nd birthday in August 2020, announced on Oct. 12, 2020, that he was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma tumor (brain cancer). "The median survival time with glioblastoma is 15 to 16 months in people who get surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment," according to Healthline. Parker revealed in his Instagram post about the diagnosis that he is "already undergoing treatment," including radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the tumor is not operable.
Of course, this is a tough time for Parker and his family, which includes his wife, Kelsey Hardwick, and their daughter, Aurelia. The couple announced in May 2020 they're expecting their second child, a boy, which makes the diagnosis that more heartbreaking. "We are all absolutely devastated but we are gonna fight this all the way," Parker captioned a photo of himself with his beautiful family. "We don't want your sadness, we just want love and positivity and together we will raise awareness of this terrible disease and look for all available treatment options."
Here's everything else Parker has shared about his diagnosis.
Tom Parker was alone when he learned his diagnosis
The Wanted — known for hits like "Glad You Came" and "All Time Low" — went on an indefinite hiatus in 2014, during which time Tom Parker got married to Kelsey Hardwick (pictured right) and welcomed their daughter, Aurelia, and announced a pregnancy in May 2020. But just a few months after sharing the baby news, Parker had a seizure, which prompted him to schedule an MRI scan. However, before he was able to undergo the scan, he suffered another seizure and was admitted to the hospital for tests. "They pulled the curtain around my bed and said, 'It's a brain tumor,'" Parker recalled to Britain's OK! Magazine. "All I could think was, 'F***ing hell!' I was in shock. It's stage four glioblastoma and they've said it's terminal."
Sadly, Parker received the news alone as his Hardwick wasn't allowed in the hospital due to COVID-19 guidelines. "We truly are overwhelmed with everyone's love, support and positivity," Hardwick shared on Instagram after news of Parker's diagnosis broke. "We have had so many people reach out with positive stories and it's been incredible." The musician shared a similar sentiment, stating on Instagram that he plans to "fight this all the way."
Hardwick also revealed to OK! Magazine that Parker's bandmates have been so supportive. "Siva [Kaneswaran] and Nathan [Sykes] obviously live a lot further away, but all four of the boys have been texting regularly and sending through different articles and possible treatments and therapies that they're all reading about," she said. "They've been amazing."