About this episode

Dr. Sarah Nami Ahn shares her terrifying experience in the ICU while battling a brain tumor.

What does it feel like to think you’re dying… while fully conscious? In this Forties Formula In Focus clip, Dr. Sarah Nami Ahn — a UCLA-trained neuroscientist and brain tumor survivor — shares the most terrifying moment of her journey. From hallucinating walls on fire… to believing the nurses were trying to harm her… to a final thought: “God… my kids.” This is the raw, unfiltered reality of what happened inside the ICU — and the moment everything shifted. 🎙️ Hosted by Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim, The Forties Formula In Focus brings you powerful, unedited moments from our most impactful conversations — designed to give you a glimpse… and leave you wanting more. 🧠 Why we’re sharing this now We’re re-releasing this clip during Brain Tumour Awareness Month (May) to spotlight the realities of diagnosis, recovery, and what isn’t always talked about. If you’ve ever: experienced symptoms that didn’t make sense felt dismissed or unheard or supported someone through a serious diagnosis This story will stay with you. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Hallucinations begin — “the walls were on fire” 00:45 Confusion and fear in the ICU 01:30 “They hate me” — paranoia sets in 02:15 Messaging her husband —…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jasmin Dhillon, Amanda Lim

Guest: Dr. Sarah Nami Ahn

Topics covered

• brain tumor
• ICU experience
• hallucinations
• fear and confusion
• parental love
• recovery journey

Keywords

• brain tumor
• ICU
• hallucinations
• fear
• parenting
• recovery
• neuroscience

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UCLA

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