JANE Bennett and her family were all smiles this week as they addressed the nation as part of Jane McGrath Day at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But it was a very different story just 16 months ago.
Mrs Bennett found a change in her breast in August 2010 and, at just 40 years old, the Bathurst woman’s worst fears were soon confirmed by a mammogram.
The mother of two was diagnosed with breast cancer and faced a gruelling regimen of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation in Sydney.
After receiving treatment, Mrs Bennett was put in touch with one of the Jane McGrath breast cancer nurses and she said having that lifeline helped her through the recovery treatment.
“Having someone specialised and totally committed to you was just wonderful,” Mrs Bennett said yesterday.
“My family were so supportive and great, but if I was having a bad day and didn’t want to burden my family with how I was feeling I would call the breast nurse and she would listen.
“She was amazing and looked after everything – all my appointments, where I needed to be.
“And when I had to go to emergency in Bathurst after treatment in Sydney, the Bathurst doctors called my breast nurse to get all the information they needed.”
Mrs Bennett completed all her treatment last year and is now in remission.
On Thursday she and husband Pete – along children Paris, nine, and Charlie, five – were guests of the McGrath Foundation at the SCG on day three of the Test between Australia and India.
Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath and his wife Jane established the McGrath Foundation in 2002 after Mrs McGrath was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Mrs McGrath died in 2008 but the Foundation continues to raise money to employ specialised breast cancer nurses, and the third day of the Sydney Test each year is now known as Pink Stumps Day in support of the campaign.
Mr and Mrs Bennett met Glenn McGrath at the SCG and he told them the Foundation’s target was to have 150 breast cancer nurses across Australia. There are 68 so far.
“Thursday was fantastic,” Mrs Bennett said. “There were three families and we were interviewed by TV stations.
“Everyone was so nice and accommodating. I was a bit nervous talking in the middle of the SCG on television but they made us feel very welcome.
“Seeing the crowd of pink and how supportive everyone is of the Foundation was just amazing and the kids loved seeing Brett Lee all dressed in pink, with pink hair and pink shoes.”
Mrs Bennett and her children also met Prime Minister Julia Gillard and enjoyed watching the cricket from the Victor Trumper Stand.
