For months, 17-year-old Alissa Bowman from the UK couldn’t quench her thirst. No matter how much she drank — sometimes up to five liters of water a day — the feeling never went away. What started as an annoying symptom soon turned into the discovery of a life-threatening illness.
When thirst won’t go away
At first, Alissa thought it was just a strange phase. She was young, healthy, and active, so why would she be so desperately thirsty all the time? Concerned, her mother Fran took her to see a doctor. The most obvious suspicion was diabetes, a common cause of extreme thirst. But blood tests came back clear.
The mystery deepened. That summer, while on holiday in Thailand, Alissa’s condition worsened. Along with thirst, she developed a ravenous appetite and overwhelming fatigue, often too weak to get out of bed. It was only after returning home to England that she was rushed to the hospital.
A rare and nameless illness
An MRI scan finally revealed the cause: a cancerous brain tumor in the center of her brain. The tumor had triggered diabetes insipidus, a rare disorder affecting the pituitary gland that causes constant thirst. The condition is so unusual it doesn’t even have a formal name.
Fran recalls the moment doctors delivered the news:
“I thought it was type 2 diabetes, but the doctors ruled that out. When they told us it was a brain tumor, we couldn’t believe it. These last two years have been the hardest of our lives, but Alissa is a fighter. She’s the most courageous and inspiring person I know.”
Fighting back with strength and hope
Alissa began chemotherapy sessions every three weeks. After several rounds, scans showed the tumor had shrunk by 90%, giving her and her family renewed hope.
Inspired by her daughter’s bravery, Fran ran the London Marathon on April 27 in support of Brain Tumour Research, a charity dedicated to funding treatment and finding cures for brain cancer.
A reminder of hidden symptoms
Alissa’s story is a stark reminder that even seemingly benign symptoms, like constant thirst, can sometimes point to serious underlying conditions. For her, listening to her body — and refusing to ignore the signs — may have saved her life.
Today, she continues treatment with the same resilience that has carried her through the darkest months. And for her family, each day is another reason to be proud of the girl who refuses to give up.
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A passionate journalist, Iris Lennox covers social and cultural news across the U.S.