20 years of care, now for all cancers

"I’m incredibly proud and humbled by what’s been created, and immensely grateful for the extraordinary support we’ve received from all over Australia. And now, 20 years on, never in our wildest dreams did we think we’d be where we are – and we’re only just getting started.”

Nurses have always been the heart of the McGrath Foundation. Glenn speaks with deep respect and gratitude about the life-changing support they provide.

“When Jane was first diagnosed, there was no support for us. We went through it alone. She had incredible strength to get through it. When she had a recurrence, having our nurse Alison there made an unbelievable difference - especially for Jane.”

Alison’s support opened their eyes to how crucial specialist cancer care nurses are – not just clinically, but emotionally. It became clear that there simply weren’t enough of these nurses available to provide their invaluable expertise and insight. But when there was someone to lean on, answer questions, or simply help families take a break from the stress, it was life-changing.

“That support lets you come home and switch off from being a cancer patient. Without it, you’re left with so many unanswered questions, searching online and often feeling worse from misinformation. Having someone like Alison there to answer questions, attend appointments and just be that support meant Jane could come home and just be herself – be mum again. That’s a gift.”  

The Foundation’s ethos of helping families has never changed. What has changed is the scale and scope, highlighted by the expansion of support from breast cancer to all cancers.

“When I’d speak at events and share our story, a lot of people – especially blokes – would open up and share theirs. Many told me they were dealing with other forms of cancer and had no support at all. That just didn’t sit right with me.” 

“Once we reached our target for McGrath Breast Care Nurses, it felt like a natural progression to expand our support to all cancers. With close to 1 in 2 people in Australia likely to be diagnosed with cancer, it’s about trying to reach everyone who needs care.”

Looking back over the years, several big milestones stand out to Glenn: donations from our partners that kickstarted the mission, bipartisan government support, and unforgettable public moments like the first Jane McGrath Day at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“That first Pink Test, it was a huge honour and sign of respect. The beauty of sport is that it brings people together beyond boundaries.”

The sight of entire towns turning pink for Pink Up Your Town, even the Sydney Opera House lighting up in solidarity, will stick with him for a long time. But for Glenn, one thing stands above all else.

“Ultimately, it’s about our nurses and the families they support. Meeting the nurses and seeing them all together is very meaningful. We’re not about us, we’re about them.”