World Cancer Day 2026
The theme for World Cancer Day 2026 is “United by Unique”, and the campaign is to “see the person before the patient.”
Mitch and Gemma’s life changed after Mitch suffered a seizure at work in July 2024. Now they are coming to terms with their “new normal,” after his diagnosis with a high grade astrocytoma later that year.
Mitch and Gemma’s story
Cancer affects people of all ages, but it’s not something you ever expect when you’re heading into your thirties and have lots of hopes and dreams for the future.”
Gemma
Mitch Jenderko, from Telford, was enjoying his job as a Recruitment Consultant specialising in Engineering, and was about to celebrate his 30th birthday, when an “out of the blue” seizure at his desk changed everything. Looking back, there were very few signs. Mitch was training for a half marathon, and felt he was in good shape.
“In hindsight, the only symptoms were headaches, which he put down to work stress, and lack of sleep,” recalls his wife, Gemma. “Mitch was also very worried about his mum who had just received a cancer diagnosis, so didn’t think too much about the headaches at the time. There were no other warning signs.”
Mitch was rushed to A&E, where the suspected diagnosis was a low grade glioma. After he was discharged, the couple waited for him to be referred to Stoke hospital. But after further scans, they learned that his tumour might be more aggressive than initially thought. Mitch had emergency surgery in September 2024. The surgery went well – a full resection. Then there was an agonising wait of six weeks as Mitch recovered. Gemma says: “In October we received the devastating news that we were were dealing with a grade 4 astrocytoma, and the average prognosis was 18 to 24 months.
“The diagnosis and poor prognosis was a complete shock to us as a couple, as well as the Neuro team at Stoke. From this point on we had to not only process this ourselves but also work out how to break the devastating news to family and friends.”
Joy in difficult times
Mitch completed six weeks of radiotherapy and six months of chemo. He’s currently well and staying active. Running is one of his hobbies, and he completed the 2025 Manchester Half marathon just four months after finishing chemo.
He and Gemma are spending as much time together as possible, making the most of every moment: “After Mitch’s surgery, he proposed, and six months later we married, surrounded by friends and family. It was such a special day and proof that you can still find joy in such difficult times. We then honeymooned in Cornwall.
“As a couple we see life in a completely different light. It has brought us closer together and made us truly live in the moment.”
Life for the couple has thrown up challenges beyond Mitch’s diagnosis, too. Gemma was made redundant from her role as a Senior Talent Acquisition Partner in late 2024, and with Mitch unable to work, this has caused enormous strain. Gemma said: “This unfortunate experience has spurred us on to raise awareness, not only for cancer patients but also the sometimes forgotten carers who are also going through a life changing diagnosis whilst trying to hold everything together.”
A new outlook
“Prior to Mitch’s illness we were both very career-focused, but our values in life have significantly changed and we spend most of our time together creating special memories. While we will always have hope, unfortunately we have to live life three months at a time as this is how regular scans are, which makes it difficult to think too far ahead to what our future might look like.
“Although it’s hard, we celebrate every clear scan as an opportunity to plan what the next three months might look like for us, and how we can make our time together special. We have recently been on a few city breaks which has been incredible and something we never thought possible 12 months ago.“
Fundraising for a cure
Mitch credits keeping active with helping manage his fatigue and keeping a positive outlook. After his half marathon last year, he’s upped the mileage, and plans to run the Brighton Marathon this April, raising funds for The Brain Tumour Charity.
“Running has not only helped me to keep physically fit, but also helped me mentally deal with the diagnosis and what the future might look like. I also changed my lifestyle and diet quite drastically after the diagnosis which continues to help me feel the best I can day to day.
“Training for various running challenges gives me a focus and something to aim for. Having the opportunity to fundraise for such an important cause is a huge motivator, not only to raise money but also to raise awareness and spread hope to others facing a similar diagnosis.”
Sharing their story
“To look at Mitch he is a picture of health, and doesn’t fit the stereotypical view of a cancer patient which has sadly led to instances where we have been wrongly judged,” says Gemma.“We hope by sharing our story, people will have more compassion and empathy for invisible illnesses. We feel it’s important to raise awareness of brain tumours, and how devastating they are.
“We hope our story is a message of hope for others in this situation. Despite the impact on our lives we are happier now than ever before, and have a new appreciation and lust for life.”
Be a voice for change this World Cancer Day
Brain Tumour Awareness Month is almost upon us, and we plan to make sure the stories of Mitch, Gemma, and others are heard. Now is the perfect time to get involved and raise your voice. Join the #WorldCancerDay conversation on social media by following #UnitedByUnique, and share your story with us: