Jenni Marshall, an Australian who married a Maltese man, Luke Marshall, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, a very aggressive form of brain cancer, in July 2011. Only 5% of people diagnosed with the illness manage to survive two years, but today, four years later, Jenni is still fighting on, believing that the nothing is impossible.

Jenni met Luke when she had already been diagnosed with the cancer, but she was still unaware about how bad the situation was. Her world, and that of her family, was turned upside down upon discovering the reality of her situation. The prognosis was that she had less than a year to live. 

Despite this, Luke and Jenni got married and are today still fighting the battle together, she by being positive in her approach and he by providing unwavering loyalty and encouragement, despite being pushed to breaking points.

In August 2013 Jenni became part of the category of 5% of people who manage to survive past two years. Two more years have passed since.

Luk as well as Jenni’s family have stood by her side and supported her through hours of research for the best medical treatment the world has to offer, aggressive treatments and their ensuing side effects and medical setbacks in the forms of infections and nerve damage.

What makes this story so inspirational however is the positivity and determination that emanates from both Luke and Jenni.

Jenni keeps the public updated with her developments through a blog, entitled ‘Keep hope alive. Never believe in the impossible; it’s not really impossible’.  On the blog, Jenni said that writing helps her cope and improves her mood; in addition to this it also shines a light on her bright spirit and humorous side.

On writing about how this experience has changed her, Jenni writes that “My spiritual side has blossomed like a giant sunflower basking in the sun’s powerful rays in some outback town where it’s really bloody freaking hot”.

Jenni, Luke and her family have passed through a very trialling few years, however they continue to keep hope alive and appreciate what they have, “Cancer is nothing compared to the other things I have. I am the luckiest person in the world,” writes Jenni.

Luke and Jenni will be speaking to The Malta Independent in the coming weeks.