Jane McGrath - A Tribute

I vividly remember the day I came to really respect Jane McGrath. It was 18 months ago. I was watching Andrew Denton's Enough Rope interview with Australian cricketing great (and husband to Jane), Glenn McGrath. The interview was supposed to centre around Glenn and his cricketing career. Jane was fantastic though and the interview really ended up being about her and the McGrath Foundation.

The shock was tangible when Andrew said something like; "So has all the cancer gone, Jane?" and she replied, "No," and proceeded to point to all the places the cancer had recently appeared.

Even after seeing her admit that the cancer was still very much a part of her life, I never imagined that it would take it from her.

Six months later, I felt the most grief I've ever felt for a celebrity tragedy, when Jane passed away. The whole country seemed to be reeling - she had left a huge impression.

12 months later her charity, The McGrath Foundation, has placed 45 breast cancer nurses around the country with many more to come. Jane's journey also bought the dangerous cancer to the attention of Australia's young women who were previously assumed immune.

Jane's line rings more true now than ever; "Together, we can make a difference!"