With a calmness and gentleness in her voice that defied the remarkable struggle she has faced, Jane Gardner told her story, “Live Each Day,” to a packed house at the Kaufman Theater at Chrysler Museum on Sunday, September 17.
The former television news anchor has fought cancer—not just once, but four times. Gardner was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999, and then 10 years later, melanoma skin cancer. In May 2015, she learned she had ovarian cancer, followed by a diagnosis of lung cancer less than a year later.
As Gardner shared her remarkable story, she also told tales of the people in the community who have helped her along the way. She spoke of Terri Denison, editor of Jewish News, who helped her compose a Facebook announcement when words failed her. She told how Liz Simpson, a writer for the Virginian-Pilot, chronicled her fight along the way. She mentioned Steve Earley, a photographer for the Pilot, who captured many tough moments, including the shaving of her hair by her friend and stylist, Gary Riffe. There were many other stories of co-workers, neighbors, and medical professionals who showed her compassion and caring as she faced chemotherapy and other treatments, losing her hair, and more.
Gardner said, “When I was a TV anchor, I was LIVE each day. Now, I’ve learned to LIVE each day…to never take a day for granted.”
The event was presented as a partnership between Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, Chrysler Museum, the Brock Institute of Eastern Virginia Medical School, and WHRO Public Media, with additional support from Virginia Oncology Associates.
Video presented as a partnership with Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, WHRO Public Media, the Chrysler Museum, and the Brock Institute of Eastern Virginia Medical School.
– Amy Cobb