Today would have been McGrath Foundation co-founder Jane McGrath’s 50th birthday.
Jane sadly passed away from breast cancer on June 22, 2008, at the age of 42.
Every day we are reminded of her humble, inspiring and fun personality through her amazing legacy of the McGrath Foundation, where we continue working towards Jane’s vision of ensuring every family across Australia has access to a dedicated breast care nurse.
Our 110 McGrath Breast Care Nurses ‘ pink ‘angels’ as Jane called them – have been a source of knowledge, care, comfort and support for more than 44,000 families to date.
Happy Birthday to Jane and a huge thank you to the Australian community who have helped her enduring legacy continue to improve the lives of families experiencing breast cancer.
Together, we can make a difference.
4 May, 1966: Born Jane Louise Steele in Birmingham, England
1995: Jane meets future husband, Glenn McGrath, in Hong Kong
1997: First breast cancer diagnosis
June 1998: Declared cancer-free following a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy
1999: Jane marries Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath
26 January, 2002: Jane became an Australian citizen
2003: Jane’s cancer returned and she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer
September 2005: Jane launched the McGrath Foundation with husband, Glenn
November 2006: First McGrath Breast Care Nurse is funded
26 January, 2008: Was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) “for service to community health through support for women with breast cancer and the establishment of the McGrath Foundation.”
22 June, 2008: Jane passes away from her disease. $1.5million from funds donated after her passing was used to launch the Foundation’s breast awareness programme. There were four McGrath Breast Care Nurses in positions across Australia
January 2009: The first Pink Test and Jane McGrath Day is held at the SCG
Today: The McGrath Foundation currently funds 110 McGrath Breast Care Nurses right across Australia
