Jane Leckey was a teenager in her first year of university when she flew headfirst off a horse and into a wall during a show jumping competition. She didn’t know it at the time, but this fluke traumatic event likely saved her life.
“After the accident, I was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour that I may have had since birth,” said Jane. “They suspect that the crash caused the swelling that eventually led to the symptoms, that led to the diagnosis.” The tumour was successfully excised and Jane bounced back. “Cancer was really not a thing that I gave much thought to until my second diagnosis,” said Jane, who was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after she turned 50.
Fortunately, she was treated at The Princess Margaret. “The care I received was absolutely outstanding,” said Jane. “[The staff] showed such a sense of empathy, passion and support.” After a successful surgery, 21 rounds of radiation and five years of hormonal therapy, she overcame cancer again and emerged with a new outlook on life. “I often joke that getting cancer again was a kick in the ass that I didn’t realize I needed,” Jane said. “It’s enabled and reminded me to focus on what really matters.”
Her experience led her to get involved in the cause. She became a top fundraiser and guest speaker at a Yoga to Conquer Cancer event. She also joined the J.C.B. Grant Society after willing a part of her estate to The Princess Margaret. She’s seen the power of fundraising and knows first-hand how much cancer research impacts patient outcomes.
“Programs like the Princess Margaret Home Lottery change lives,” said Jane. “The science of cancer care is constantly evolving, and programs like this ensure that patients receive the most up-to-date treatment options, leading to the best results.”
Today Jane is a healthy, happy nature enthusiast, and a passionate cancer fundraiser. “There hasn’t been a day in the past five years that I haven’t thought about my cancer experience. As strange as it sounds, I feel enriched because of it.”