A tribute to Jane Mcgrath: A truly inspiring woman
Volunteer Life would like to mark the passing of Jane McGrath and pay tribute to her amazing volunteering efforts on behalf of women's health and especially breast cancer. Jane's long battle with cancer ended on 22 June 2008 and we all feel great sadness for her husband, her two young children and all her many friends.
The outpouring of public sadness at her death is testimony to the great affection and admiration she inspired in people of all ages and backgrounds. She was hugely admired for the bravery and humour she showed in her long fight against breast cancer, with the way she used her high public profile to increase awareness of breast cancer and for the inspiration she provided to fellow sufferers of the disease and their families.
Her legacy lies not only in the hearts and minds of people but also in the McGrath Foundation she and her husband Glen established. The foundation promotes breast cancer education and helps provide the services of breast cancer nurses for women suffering from the disease.
On the McGrath Foundation's website, Jane explained her passion for helping other women with breast cancer. "I was only 31 when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer … I feel very passionate about empowering women under 40 to take control of their health by conducting regular breast checks - early detection saves lives."
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While being treated for a secondary cancer in 2003, Jane had access to a breast care nurse for the first time and became aware of the huge impact that these nurses can have on a patient's physical and mental wellbeing during and after treatment.
Throughout her illness, Jane worked tirelessly for the foundation and continued to provide a very human face to the need for further support for those with breast cancer. Her recent appearance, alongside her husband Glen, on the ABC program Enough Rope showed her incredible warmth, her delightful sense of humour and the obvious depth of their loving relationship moved even the usually detached presenter Andrew Denton.
The McGrath Foundation will continue its important work and is now managed by Jane's long-time friend Tracy Bevan, who now travels across the country raising awareness of breast cancer, generating support and raising money for the foundation to fund specialist breast care nurses in areas without current access to them.
More information
For those who would like to pay tribute to Jane's life with a donation to the cause which meant so much to her, please visit the www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au
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