At age 35, Janice McGrath was diagnosed with breast cancer and in 1994 it became metastatic. The young woman was told that she would probably not live to see her 40th year. After aggressive treatment that included a bone marrow transplant and multiple clinical trials, Janice, now 54, has outlived that dire prognosis.
While waging her own battle against cancer, Janice devoted herself to helping others cope with the disease by joining the New England Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. In 2010, after eight years as its executive director, she stepped down to resume treatment, but she continues to serve the organization as president.
With pioneering leadership, Janice has forged a community of patients and survivors, as well as family members and friends, that is a potent force for advocacy, education and mutual support. Through conferences and online resources, the coalition helps patients manage the spectrum of challenges they confront as they live through and beyond diagnosis and treatment.
“While dealing with her own illness, Janice has helped so many other people,” writes cancer survivor Lynne Graziano Morin, coalition board member. “Janice inspires us with her courage, generosity and grace.”
