Jane McGrath

Jane Mcgrath (www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/)

Jane McGrath was only 31 when she was initially diagnosed with breast cancer, her experience was incredibly traumatic, with doctors using terminology she barely understood and facing surgical procedures that were terrifying to her.

In 2003 Jane, began treatment for secondary cancer and that is when she first had access to a breast care nurse. Jane said it was like having someone hold her hand through one of the worst nightmares of her life.

As a result of this experience, Jane developed a passionate belief that every woman diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia, and their family, should be able to benefit from the support of a specialist breast care nurse. She came up with an idea that she needed an "army of nurses", and so, in September 2005, she launched the McGrath Foundation to help fulfill this wish.

Jane also felt very strongly about increasing breast awareness in younger women, therefore wanted to educate Australian women to ensure they were familiar with their breasts and that breast checks became a part of their regular health routine.

Jane McGrath (www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/)

Sadly, Jane passed away in June 2008, however she has undoubtedly left an ever lasting legacy through both her family and the ongoing work of the McGrath Foundation, providing thousands of Australian women and their families with hope and support during their experience with breast cancer.