A Patient's Story
Kidney Cancer: Jane’s Journey, is a film commissioned by the Fund in 2009
in co-sponsorship with Novartis Oncology, Red Health and Day For Night Films to increase awareness of kidney cancer patients.
The film highlights the personal journey of 50 year old Jane Thompson, a mother of three from Birmingham, who was diagnosed with advanced and incurable kidney cancer in 2007.
James Whale, describes the film as “an impactful and incredibly moving account of the reality of living with advanced kidney cancer and the unquestionable importance of extended time for these people thanks to medical advances in this area.
Through Jane’s strength and determination, the film conveys a sense of hope as viewers watch her 'squeeze the most out of every minute' that she has left with her family.
In the film Jane successfully attempts to break down the ‘taboo’ of death by showing the fantastic things that can be achieved in life, even when you’re confronted with a terminal diagnosis.”
Jane Thompson herself says: “When I was diagnosed a couple of years ago I knew very little about kidney cancer, so I feel very passionately about anything that serves to increase awareness both with the public and the medical profession.
After a courageous battle against the disease, during which she inspired many others through her blog, she died on 30 May 2010.
Rose Woodward, Patient Advocate for the James Whale Fund for kidney Cancer said "I was lucky to know Jane as a dear friend and fellow kidney cancer patient. Jane joined our patient group, the Kidney Cancer Support Network, a few weeks after she was diagnosed with kidney cancer in January 2007.
She was a great inspiration to me and other patients and although we have cried together, we have also shared many giggles. I recall in particular when Jane drove down from Birmingham to Plymouth to support kidney cancer patients in Devon & Cornwall when we stormed an N I C E Board Meeting to plead for access for cancer drugs. This was so typical of Jane, as soon as she heard what we were upto, she was in the car and on her way down to support us.
Later Jane played such an important part in the campaign by allowing the film cameras into her private life to give an insight into what it meant to live under the cloud of a diagnosis of kidney cancer.
The film "Jane's Journey" was the essence of Jane; an open, caring, funny and very courageous lady. I was proud to know her and have some lovely memories of Jane that will stay with me forever. My heart goes out to Martin her wonderful husband, and her children family at such a devastating time "
Watch the film here
