Home.

School.

Hospital.

The three places senior Emily Brindley spends the majority of her time since she was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

It was the summer before her junior year when she started to experience symptoms, but she never expected it to be as serious as a tumor.

“I actually found out because I went to my eye doctor to get my glasses prescribed, and they said I had a floater in my eye, which is kind of a normal thing. It’s like a blind spot in your eye,” Brindley said. “Then they said just go to MUSC and get an MRI to see if it is cancerous or anything, and they said it was a tumor.”

With such a serious condition, there are many challenges Brindley is forced to face, but what gets her through the tough days is her love of music. It’s been a huge part of Brindley’s life since she was a little girl.

“Every day I go home and I sing,” Brindley said. “I sing at my church and here at school. I’d say that singing and music is what helps me get through all my surgeries. Music definitely brings me joy.”

Her chorus teacher at Wando, Mary Elizabeth Morton, has known and taught Brindley since she was a freshman.

“It makes me feel good that we can bring joy to her,” Morton said. “Hundreds, if not thousands of studies prove that music makes people happier. Listening is good, but making music is even better. Emily especially needs some cheer in her life, so I’m glad we can provide it.”

After she graduates and with hope of her health improving, Brindley plans on attending Belmont Abbey College.