A tribute to Jenny, our Founder and Chair
Jenny was diagnosed with Stage 4 EGFR+ lung cancer in February 2018. Like so many, she had never smoked and lived a very healthy life.
At the time, having previously been a successful TV producer and then having spent time bringing up her children, she was training to become a psychoanalyst. She had to stop, regrettably, as she was unable to offer patients an open-ended commitment. But this meant that she had time to put into understanding more about the EGFR Positive mutation and how best to treat and live with it.
In seeking to better understand her treatment options, and how best to look after herself Jenny, and Kathy Beattie, discovered that there was no UK equivalent of the US EGFR Resisters, and created the UK's first EGFR Positive Facebook Group, which then went on to become the EGFR Positive UK charity with her and Kathy as joint chairs.
Jenny, by nature, and by career, was a relentless researcher and sought to understand everything she could about treatment options, drug company trials, and UK authorisations both in NHS and private care. In becoming her own inspirational patient advocate, she was able to be an advocate all the members of the group. She, and others, attended conferences, took part in NICE submissions and consultations, and brought expert oncologists and self care experts to the group.
She, along with friends of hers, and in partnership with ALK Positive UK and Ruth Strauss Foundation, created and raised money to fund an advertising campaign targeted at GPs to raise awareness of the symptoms of, and need for the early diagnosis of lung cancer, particularly among non-smokers. The campaign has won several awards and served over 6m impressions to GPs with record engagements and click through rates.
When Jenny first set up the Facebook group, she would worry every week about whether anyone would join or if it would be of any benefit to anyone. She would be so proud of what it's become and that all her great work is being continued.