Vale Jane McGrath

Every day in this country [and right across the globe] people die from cancer! We don't know all their names but in any given month we probably do hear about someone we know... but they don't make it into the newspaper. Why then would I be extra sad when a 'well known' so called 'public figure' passes away?
Well, that would be because in this case Jane McGrath came to our attention as the girlfriend and wife of one of this countries best ever cricketers. When discovered to have breast cancer she and Glen McGrath became tireless campaigners for medical and research resources in this area. Having entered remission Jane discovered in recent years that a bone cancer was present.
The couples 'Enough Rope' interview on ABC TV was compelling viewing and confirmed that the disease was still an issue. They talked about Glen travelling and playing cricket as being a 'return to normal' and so it was no surprise that he fulfilled his 'IPL Twenty20' contract in India recently.
I saw one match and an interview several weeks ago on TV and thought 'that's a bloke with other things on his mind?' and thought nothing more of it. Apparently Jane McGrath became quite unwell in the last week and died yesterday morning! It's very sad and especially for two small kids who've obviously walked every step of this journey alongside their parents!!
"Ooh Aah! Glen McGrath was a brilliant crowd enetrtainer with his cricketing exploits on the field and a noted practical joker in the dressing room. A shy lad from Narromine in rural NSW I hope the family are buoyed by what I predict will be a wave of public support and well wishes.
Nobody could know the wherefore of these diseases and the 'why' question makes no sense at any stage BUT it's just sad for the McGrath's and for every family who loses a parent or child in this way!! I reckon a donation to the 'McGrath Foundation' is a fitting response!!
Vale Jane McGrath!!
[Photo from News Limited]