Meet Jack

At 24, Jack was diagnosed with a mediastinal germ cell tumour after a long period of unexplained symptoms, leading him through intensive treatment and into recovery. With help from the Ella Dawson Foundation, he’s been strengthening his health and confi

Hi my name is Jack and I’m 24. I love going on adventures with my mates, big or small and that’s something I hope to get back to soon. If I’m not out and about then I’m normally at home working on my car which has helped keep me sane during this process.

My diagnosis was a mediastinal germ cell tumour. Towards the end of 2024 I developed a persistent cough and regularly felt under the weather throughout the winter. Despite getting checked my symptoms were very vague, so being young and relatively healthy there were no specific symptoms that pointed to what was really going on. A few months later the cough hadn’t shifted and with a trip abroad at the end of the week my mum urged me to see the GP again. Due to the length of time I had this cough I was sent for a chest x-ray to double check everything was alright and that revealed something concerning which meant I was taken to A&E.

Over the next few days I underwent a series of scans and tests then after a few weeks and some more tests, my clinical nurse specialist called with the news. I had a large germ cell tumour in the mediastinal area of my chest and I was referred to the Royal Marsden’s Teenage Cancer Trust ward.

Being diagnosed at a young age definitely brought its own challenges. I’m sure other young people can relate to the isolating experience of being in waiting rooms and rarely seeing anyone their own age. I think it highlights how important age appropriate support environments are.

After I finished my chemotherapy cycles I was working on the recovery process and adjusting to life after treatment. I was fortunate to be receiving support from my hospital team and my CNS but my social worker from Young Lives vs Cancer mentioned the different services the Ella Dawson Foundation offered which could help strengthen my recovery process.

When Tasha first contacted me and offered a call to explain what the foundation could offer, I was very grateful for her understanding and support in helping me move forwards. It came at a point in my recovery where I was in need of a bit of guidance with what support I needed for the next steps so it was reassuring to hear all the services offered. I accessed the nutritionist support which became an important part of rebuilding my strength after treatment and having more control over my recovery.

Chemotherapy took quite a toll on my stomach and eating habits and I found myself very fatigued. The guidance I got from Hazel around my nutrition made a big difference to regain my energy after treatment, but also gave me knowledge and habits I can carry forward in everyday life. The support I was looking for was about rebuilding life after cancer and the nutritional support will play a big role in helping me lead a healthier life that will hopefully reduce the long term effects of treatment. The advice and tips Hazel shared were things I hadn't considered before, so I'm genuinely grateful to the Ella Dawson Foundation for offering me this support and its positive impact on my recovery. Following my treatment, I am now on a surveillance pathway and focusing on rebuilding my strength and confidence as I start planning for the future.

My message to anyone currently going through their cancer journey would be a couple of things. The first would be to take it one day at a time, even on the hardest days remind yourself it will end and try to focus on those little steps in front of you instead of getting caught up in the bigger overwhelming picture. I’d also encourage you to reach out if you're struggling, whether that’s struggling with symptoms of treatment, or with the mental and physical challenges that come with it. There is so much amazing support out there for every little aspect of the journey you should never feel like you have to suffer alone.