Friends of the McGrath Foundation

The McGrath Foundation is extremely fortunate to have many friends who lend their support to the cause through awareness and ambassadorial roles.

Please meet some of our friends:

The McGrath Foundation is such an important organisation as it reaches out to so many people in need and gives women hope and strength. I am thrilled to be a Foundation Friend and will continue to help spread Jane's message.

Bessie Bardot, author and TV personality

I've never seen a woman work so hard to make a difference; Jane was absolutely tireless in her quest. After several of my friends were touched by breast cancer, it's an honour to be a Foundation Friend.

Michael Bevan, Former Australian Cricketer and husband of Tracy Bevan

After spending a good deal of my career playing with Glenn, having the opportunity to be close friends with both Glenn and Jane and recognising the strong friendship between Tracy and Jane, it is an absolute pleasure and honour to be a Foundation Friend.

Knowing the importance and significance for not only Jane but also the wider public in raising the awareness for young women about breast cancer, and helping to provide support in the form of McGrath Breast Care Nurses to breast cancer patients, provides me with reason enough to help the McGrath Foundation in its efforts.

Matthew and Kellie Hayden, Former Australian cricketer and his wife

Jane, Glenn, James and Holly are, and will always be, a huge part of our life. Around cricket and away from cricket we have shared amazing times together.

The McGrath Foundation, in spite of the personal hardships this lion-hearted family has had to endure, has remained a beacon of hope and a deep source of comfort to thousands of women across Australia and the world. We are proud to be a small part of its wonderful work so that it may continue.

Adam Gilchrist, Former Australian cricketer

The help, support and love each breast care nurse provides their patients with is priceless. There truly is no monetary value that can be placed on what Jane and Glenn have established in the form of this amazing Foundation.

To use the experience of personal adversity in such a positive manner, to benefit others, is a mark of the highest quality of person. That is Jane and Glenn McGrath.

To all who have supported the program, we thank you, as do every breast cancer patient and their family. And of course all the staff at the Foundation continue to carry out the dreams of an amazing, thoughtful, fun, loving lady we are all blessed for having known. You guys too, are Angels.

I am thrilled to be a Foundation Friend.

Jason Gillespie, Former Australian cricketer

It is an absolute honour to be a Foundation Friend. The caring work done by the McGrath Breast Care Nurses to support women with breast cancer is selfless and inspiring and anything that can be done to create more opportunities for them to support the women they help is well worth it.

Our family and close friends have felt the effects of breast cancer so I had no hesitation in becoming an ambassador. The assistance the Foundation has received over the last few years is nothing short of amazing and everyone at the McGrath Foundation is so grateful for that support.

I have been fortunate to know the McGraths for many years and to be involved in any way with the Foundation is very humbling.

Shane Watson, Australian cricketer

I am just so grateful and honoured to be able to continue on the legacy of Jane McGrath as an official Foundation Friend. I was extremely privileged to get to know Jane through her soul mate, Glenn.

During Glenn's last international tour for Australia in 2007, I spent a lot of time with Glenn talking about all things in life and there were a couple of things that really stood out in my mind during the time we spent together.

The first one was how unbelievably positive Glenn was with all aspects of life, as he always saw the positive side to every situation. The second was the amazing strength that Jane had to continue her ongoing battle with cancer.

Glenn told me about the difficulties that both he and Jane had trying to deal with everything that went with fighting the horrific disease and how Jane's breast care nurse made such an amazing difference to both of their lives.

So this was both Jane and Glenn's dream, to provide a breast care nurse for every woman fighting breast cancer in Australia, to make the burden of fighting breast cancer that little bit easier.

My role as an official Friend of the McGrath Foundation is to continue to help to turn Jane and Glenn's dream into reality.

Lisa Sthalekar, Australian Women’s cricketer and NSW Captain

There seemed to be a connection with the McGrath Foundation and myself, as my mother passed away from breast cancer seven years ago.

At the time, I had taken a year off from University to take mum to the hospital for her daily radiation, chemotherapy and endless appointments. It was during this time that the breast care nurses became part of our family and I enjoyed seeing and catching up with them. Even after my mother passed away I still use to visit them on a regular basis. Everyone that is affected by breast cancer need help and support and the breast care nurses provide that.

Therefore, when Tracy spoke to me about being a Foundation Friend, I had no hesitation and the fact that my mother was English as well, sealed the deal. I am looking forward to working closely with the McGrath Foundation and making a difference.

Catherine Cox, Captain of the WA West Coast Fever Netball Team

Unfortunately, everyone seems to know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. Directly or indirectly, I think it is a disease that has touched all Australians.

Very recently, I personally lost one of the most influential women in my netball career, not to mention a great friend, to breast cancer and it just makes you realise how prevalent it really is.

Jodie Oddy, Adelaide radio host

In life, you meet certain people who just make you smile. Jane McGrath was one of those beautiful people, elegant, hilarious and when she laughed it was infectious. Her smile is unforgettable. Breast cancer robbed us all of an incredible woman, graceful mother, and lovable friend.

It's an absolute honour and privilege to represent the McGrath Foundation here in South Australia. Luckily I work in a medium that can reach out to hundreds of thousands every day, and I unashamedly intend to use my voice to continue Jane's legacy.

I hope together we can make the journey a little easier for the women in our state suffering from the disease that we all despise so greatly.

David Williams, Manly Sea Eagles NRL player

While I am extremely fortunate that I have not lost a close friend or family member to breast cancer, Jane's story has opened my eyes to the reality that breast cancer can affect women of any age. I am honoured to be a Foundation Friend and I wholly support their fundraising and awareness initiatives throughout Australia.

Andrew Reid, Bondi Lifeguard and star of Bondi Rescue

Unfortunately I never got to meet the beautiful Jane McGrath. Following her fight in the media made me realise just how much breast cancer effects not only the people diagnosed with the disease but also everyone around them. Starting the McGrath Foundation to give special support where it's needed most was a fantastic idea and I can't imagine how many people they have already helped since it was founded.

As a Foundation Friend, I hope I can help in whatever way possible and together as a community can eventually find a cure for this terrible disease.

Corey Oliver, Bondi Lifeguard and star of Bondi Rescue

Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to meet the strong and amazing Jane McGrath, but I have been a part of a close friend's battle with breast cancer. I have seen how hard it is for the person and how much it affects the family and friends as a whole.

While I was training for the Sydney Marathon to help raise money for the McGrath Foundation, a very worthy cause, I was approached to be a Friend of the McGrath Foundation. I was honoured and had no hesitation in wanting to be an ambassador to help out in any way possible.

The McGrath Foundation is a fantastic cause and are tirelessly committed to helping so many women in need. Together, as a great nation, I know we can make a difference in helping so many more needy women battling with this terrible disease.

Justin Langer, Former Australian cricketer

Jane and Glenn have been close personal friends of mine and my wife Sue since my cricketing days. When Jane passed away, it was such a sad time as she meant so much not only to Sue and I, but to Australia.

To see the Foundation growing in the way that it has in the past year really astounds me, and I’m thrilled to do my part to support the Foundation by becoming a Foundation Friend.

I am proud to be a part of a movement that is really spreading Jane and Glenn’s message and hopefully helping many other women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families.

Shannan Ponton, Biggest Loser Fitness Trainer

It is the indiscriminate nature of cancer that I find horrific, the disease doesn't give a damn if you are fit, overweight, tall, short, healthy or just average.

As nature would have it, women are the nurturers and an all too common trait is to do everything for everyone else, genuinely, without question or need for accolades.

Being diagnosed with breast cancer changes the rules, suddenly our carers need care, the best available, nothing less.

A breast care nurse for every woman diagnosed with breast cancer should not be an option but an absolute. Our mothers, sisters, wives, friends and nannas have earned this right a hundred times over.

I was honoured to be asked to be a Foundation Friend to allow Jane’s dream to become a reality and feel proud to, in some way, to help assist all Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families, so they can receive the level of care and support they deserve.

Damien Fleming, Former Australian cricketer

It is a great honour to become a Foundation Friend. Anything that can be done to help support women and families dealing with the effects of breast cancer is essential. The efforts of the McGrath Foundation to date have been nothing short of extraordinary. Thanks to those assisting the Foundation, the bar has been set high but with a combined effort, let’s keep raising it.

Jane was an inspiration to all of us in the Aussie Cricket Team, mostly for putting up with Glenn! She had so much personality, love and courage. And through her legacy we will strive to employ more McGrath Breast Care Nurses around Australia to help deal with this dreadful disease. Hardly any family in Australia is untouched by breast cancer so all assistance is vital.

Julie Goodwin, Masterchef Winner

I am honoured and humbled to be asked to be a Foundation Friend. The loving care that is given to women experiencing breast cancer is an inspiration. We all know someone whose life is impacted by this disease and it is wonderful to know that there are people working hard to make sure that they are supported.

Melinda Schneider, singer and songwriter

When I was approached in late 2008 to become a Foundation Friend, I was honoured. I never had the pleasure of meeting Jane personally, but along with every other Australian, I was touched deeply by her strong, joyous spirit and courage.

I am committed to supporting Glenn and the McGrath Foundation in any way that I can in helping to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer in Australia.

Moyra MacGregor, Gold Coast radio presenter

I am truly honoured to be in any way associated with the McGrath Foundation.

Having watched the progress of the Foundation from a distance in the last couple of years, it makes me so happy to be involved in whatever way I can.

I was touched deeply when I met Tracy and heard her talk of her love and the beautiful spirit of Jane.

My mother died from breast cancer when I was 15 and I see this as a way to honour her and all the tough and amazing women who have struggled in the same way.

Eamon Sullivan, Olympic swimmer

I feel privileged to be welcomed as a Friend of the McGrath Foundation Family.

While no family or friend close to me has experienced breast cancer, Jane's story has made me realise that it can happen to anyone at any time. I have a sister and a mother with whom I am extremely close and would do anything for.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Jane, but the legacy she has left behind, her spirit and her courage is something that has inspired me to make a difference.

I am looking forward to developing my friendship with the McGrath Foundation, and helping out any way I can.

Shannon Noll, Singer

After learning more about the incredible work of the McGrath Foundation, I was determined to help Tracy and the team in any way I could.

I’m proud to say I’m a Foundation Friend and I’m going to be lending my support as much as possible – it’s a huge honour for me to be involved.

Jason Hodges, Resident Gardener on 'Better Homes and Gardens'

I, like all of Australia, can remember the strength and selfless actions Jane showed in life. I am excited and determined to help achieve her dream of a breast care nurse for all in need.

I was drawn to the McGrath Foundation because of my Mum, Della. Mum has had to fight breast cancer twice, the first time was before I was born and again in 2007. We have been lucky, with Mum still here to nag me!

It is for my Mum, Jane, Glenn and Tracy and all the ladies that I whole-heartedly and with great pride say "I am a Foundation Friend".

Jason Roberts, Celebrity Chef

It’s a privilege to be an official Friend of such an incredible Foundation. I am grateful to not only to spread the word, but to encourage the great legacy Jane has left behind.

My desire and overwhelming passion for this Foundation is not just because I am aware of the statistics, but because I have a sister, a mother, several aunties, nieces and cousins who all share a place in my heart and my life, and because they have breasts, they are a susceptible to this unforgiving cancer. Not a pleasant thought but a thought I became cognoscente of when my mother went through several procedures to have lumps removed from her breast.

So if it means putting on a tight pink t-shirt and cap, flipping burgers, icing cupcakes or feeding the masses, I am 100 percent there because I need to know that someone will be there to care for not only my family, but your family, if and when the Big C comes knocking.

Thank you to the McGrath Foundation for the wonderful work you do, and to the McGrath Breast Care Nurses who care so consciously and unconditionally. I am proud to call you my friends.

Darren Lehmann, Former Australian Cricketer

To be asked to be a Foundation Friend is a huge honour and a privilege. It is an organization that is very dear to my heart as I lost someone so special in my mother 5 years ago to breast cancer.

As Jane had said many times if she had a breast care nurse to help her through many different treatments and to help in all aspects of the cancer, then it would have been a god send. The care and the funds that are raised to provide for the McGrath Breast Care Nurses is a magnificent help for all patients and their families.

So to be a part of this great organization and to make sure that Jane’s legacy lives on, please help with me in any way you can to make it easier for the so many women experiencing breast cancer and their families.

Ellyse Perry, Australian Women's Cricketer and Australian Women's Football Player

The McGrath Foundation is the epitome of how far love, support and care go in making a difference in the lives of everyone, but particularly those facing significant challenges. Collectively, the tireless efforts of those involved with the Foundation, its supporters and friends have achieved so much to ensure that no woman feels alone in her fight against a most crippling and devastating disease.

Jane McGrath is a true hero in every sense. Her legacy not only continues to provide strength and inspiration to women faced with the challenges of breast cancer, but also to all Australians who realise the great impact we can have on one another merely through sharing our own compassion and endearment for life. It is a true pleasure and privilege to be a Foundation Friend!

Lauren Brant, Hi-5 cast member

The McGrath Foundation is authentic, soulful and effectual; all essential elements one would seek when supporting a charity and the reason why I am so honoured to be a Foundation Friend.

Whether it be your friend, sister, mother or wife, that woman’s presence is cherished in your life for their essence; love, strength and guidance are characteristics that influence us.

The McGrath Foundation operates to protect our women and their families from losing that essence. We all need to save our ladies, young and old, through awareness and care, so I look forward to getting involved within the Foundation and hope to be a real asset.

Emily Jade, Media personality

All of us have been touched by breast cancer in some way or another, and fortunately or unfortunately I seem to meet women on a weekly basis through my work who have a breast cancer story to share. All of them are inspiring and courageous but their main story seems to be that they survived or got through the hard times with the help of friends, and breast care nurses.

This is why I am delighted to be involved with the McGrath Foundation, who provide a vital service that helps not just women experiencing breast cancer, but also the family and friends who support them.

Wendell Sailor, Former Rugby League and Rugby Union player

I am truly honoured to have been asked to be a Foundation Friend. I never met Jane, but she always came across as such a strong and wonderful woman and I have admired Glenn for many years for all he has achieved on and off the field. I look up to and admire Jane and Glenn even more because of what they experienced and the strength they showed.

The work that the McGrath Foundation has done and continues to do would certainly make Jane proud. I am looking forward to helping in any way I can to continue this great work.

Luke and Sonia Lewis, Cronulla Sharks NRL Player and his wife

We feel greatly honoured to become official Foundation Friends. It is truly humbling just to be a part of such an amazing organisation that brings to light awareness and support of breast cancer.

We are proud to continue the legacy of Jane McGrath and support the tireless efforts of McGrath Breast Care Nurses by ensuring our full commitment to the Foundation.

With so many loved ones touched by cancer every day, this is such an important cause and one that we are both truly proud to support.

Hamish & Andy, Comedy duo

We lend our support to the McGrath Foundation as it's a wonderful cause.

We both have close ones who have been affected by breast cancer and admire the great work done by the foundation to create awareness every year.

We also look amazing in pink, it brings out Hamish's eyes and accentuates Andy's curves.

Simon Katich, Australian cricketer

I was very fortunate to have played cricket with Glenn McGrath, who was an inspiration and champion on the field. However, Jane’s battle with cancer was far more inspirational to all of us who met her and it is an honour to be involved in helping the McGrath Foundation raise awareness and funds for such an important cause.

I have personally been affected by breast cancer when my mother had it but was very fortunate that she had it detected early and is still alive and well. I hope that by helping to raise awareness and funds the McGrath Foundation can provide as many patients as possible with McGrath Breast Care Nurses.

Melinda Farrell, Sports journalist

When the doctor first used the word cancer it seemed so surreal I almost didn't believe him. It wasn't until I walked into the operating theatre two weeks later and saw five people in white smocks preparing to perform surgery on me that I realised this was real and deadly serious. It scared the hell out of me. It wasn't breast cancer, it was a malignant melanoma - thankfully caught just in time. But after hearing Tracy Bevan speak so movingly about how a breast care nurse had made such a huge difference to Jane McGrath I was reminded of that terrifying day at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

That's why I'm so happy and honoured to be a Foundation Friend, because although my brush with cancer was relatively minor I know the value of awareness and early detection and that fear of the unknown can take an enormous emotional and physical toll. Let's hope by spreading the message we can ensure all Australian women are breast aware, and provide care and support for all Australian families experiencing breast cancer.

Adam Hills, Comedian

Writing a testimonial for the McGrath Foundation is a bit like writing a reference for Gandhi. There are very few things I can say that can match the incredible results and overwhelming goodwill they have already achieved. I am honoured to be a Foundation Friend and will do my best to help raise awareness and funds for the McGrath Foundation. Not only do they place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia and increase breast awareness in young Australian women - every year they manage to convince thousands of sun-hardened Aussie male cricket fans to dress in pink. And that is a major achievement!

Mieke Buchan, Writer, TV & Radio personality

Breast cancer can be such an isolating disease. A woman is so often the nurturer and carer in her life. She is the glue that keeps everyone around her together. So when a woman is faced with the challenges associated with breast cancer treatment and care, it can be very hard to lean on the people who normally rely on her. This is why the angelic McGrath Breast Care Nurses are so vital. They know exactly what each woman is going through, and are the strength and support they need.

I am so proud to be a friend of the McGrath Foundation, which is doing such a great job of providing Australian women with these wonderful McGrath Breast Care Nurses.

Lisa Backhouse, Journalist

My world was shattered when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer at 35 years of age. I was the mother of two precious young children, a television news presenter and suddenly I was fighting for my life. I had also just found myself at the centre of Australia’s most significant breast cancer cluster - at the ABC studios in Brisbane.

Amidst it all, in my deepest despair, it was a complete stranger who provided the hope and strength I so desperately needed to find my way forward. I will always treasure this special someone - she was my guardian angel. When I heard Tracy Bevan recount Jane’s almost identical experience I had to remind myself to breathe. I intimately share Jane’s dream and the McGrath Foundation’s vision that every woman diagnosed with breast cancer be provided with the same extraordinary, caring support. That’s why breast care nurses are so vital. Sometimes guardian angels find us – sometimes we find them.

Billy and Nicole Slater, Melbourne Storm NRL Player and his wife

The It is our privilege and honour to be involved with the McGrath Foundation. The work of the McGrath Foundation is so important in our Australian community, where unfortunately the tragedy of breast cancer has touched too many lives.

We look forward to working with the Foundation on their many worthy initiatives.

 

Hazem and Arwa El Masri, Former Bankstown Bulldogs NRL Player and his wife

It  is heartbreaking to hear that a family member or friend is experiencing cancer. The universal nature of this illness is blind to age, race, culture and religion so we all know someone who has been affected by  this disease. Countless research to find a cure will continue but the care we can provide those experiencing it now is paramount. The McGrath Breast Care Nurses do just that. Having two girls of our own, we hope by the will of Allah that one day cancer is a thing of the past.

 

 

Adam Hollioake, Former English Cricketer

Having spent years (too many in fact) playing against Glenn and seeing his determination on the field and witnessing Jane's experience with breast cancer from afar, it drew my attention to the McGrath Foundation… It is truly humbling to be asked to be a friend of the McGrath Foundation, especially as a whinging pom! Compounding this fact, my mother has been diagnosed with cancer twice and my grandmother passed from this devastating illness also.

After my brother passed in 2002 from a car accident one of the first letters I received was from Glenn and the Australian Cricket Team. Received at a similar time to this letter were two separate letters from Jane and Tracy. I will never forget this. I was a huge competitor, not dissimilar to Glenn and Michael, and for them to acknowledge my hardship and remove themselves from the scars we had inflicted upon one another as athletes was truly memorable.

These things aside and despite the obvious synergy and closeness of the illness to my family, the McGrath Foundation does honourable work in its own right. The care of McGrath Breast Care Nurses is one of the vital aspects of helping people through their breast cancer experience.

I will try my best to bring the same passion to my friendship for the McGrath Foundation as I do with everything I throw myself into.

 

Laura Enever, Australian Pro Surfer

I am honoured to be part of the McGrath Foundation. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Jane, her story touched and inspired us all with her passion to make a difference.

Breast cancer has also affected numerous women close to me, so to be involved with the Foundation to support women experiencing breast cancer, and help raise breast awareness is delightful.

I’m really looking forward to working with the McGrath Foundation, and continuing Jane's legacy through the organisation she worked so hard for.

 

Erin McNaught, Model and MTV VJ

At the age of just 31, Jane McGrath should have been celebrating some of the best times of her life. Instead, she was at the beginning of a long and gruelling fight that sadly, she wouldn't win.

Unfortunately, Jane's story is just one of countless others that are being played out around the world at any given time.

As a Foundation Friend, and a Curve Lurve Ambassador, I hope to help promote a positive body image as well as spread knowledge about breast awareness to people from all walks of life, because breast cancer indirectly affects us all.  

 

 

Rob Mills, Entertainer

I’m both honoured and humbled to become a McGrath Foundation Friend. The level of passion, energy and care for the cause from all facets of this foundation is truly remarkable.

Like many, I’ve been affected by cancer and have seen first hand how very valuable and important it is to have breast care nurses available to as many women as possible, in cities and regional areas alike.

I’m thrilled to be a part of an organisation that focuses on very real and tangible support for women experiencing breast cancer as well as spreading the all important message of breast awareness for women of all ages. I’m on board in any way I can help, wear pink, talk, sing, smile or dance...well I call it dancing!  

 

Brittany Broben, Olympic Diver

Like As a young women and athlete, I feel it is important to be in tune with your body and to keep an open conversation with friends and family about your growth and development.  

Curve Lurve is all about spreading positive and factual information on about body development for adolescents and how there is no “normal” – everyone is different.

I am proud to be an ambassador for Curve Lurve and to help spread the message of breast awareness.   

 

Lucy Durack, Entertainer

I am very grateful and honoured to become a McGrath Foundation Friend. I never had the pleasure of meeting Jane McGrath but was always incredibly inspired by the way she lived her life.  I think the McGrath Foundation is absolutely terrific in the way it helps those affected by breast cancer in such a practical, generous and tangible way and I look forward to developing my friendship with the Foundation Family and helping in whatever way I can.  

 

 

Melissa Cunningham, Open Water Swimming World Champion

Having been diagnosed with breast cancer at 37, I was always surprised that I was the youngest women at each of my appointments. I was lucky enough having the amazing support of several breast care nurses who advised on the best treatments and offered support when I needed it the most. I understand first-hand how important the McGrath Foundation’s mission is to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia. They also do an amazing job of increasing breast awareness in young Australian women.  

I am honoured to be a McGrath Foundation friend and I am committed to helping the Foundation make a difference to the lives of Australian families experiencing breast cancer.