The Standard

A shining light through tough times

Breast cancer patient Emily Quinlan with her McGrath Breast Care Nurse Joylene Fletcher. Picture supplied
Breast cancer patient Emily Quinlan with her McGrath Breast Care Nurse Joylene Fletcher. Picture supplied

This is branded content for the McGrath Foundation.

A BREAST cancer diagnosis often brings with it shock, confusion, fear, and is an overwhelming time in a person's life.

Affecting both women and men, in all stages of life, it's important for anyone diagnosed with breast cancer to receive valuable support. While support comes from family, friends, and doctors, there is one pillar of strength that has become a game changer for many: McGrath Breast Care Nurses.

When Karen Kirkby was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer in July 2020, she discovered local McGrath Breast Care Nurses were available in her home town of Narrabri and nearby Dubbo to turn to for treatment and emotional care.

"Just one visit with your nurse, and you will realise there is a whole new level of support," Karen said.

"Specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurses will provide essential support to you and your family".

"They will be your go to for all things worrying you or your husband.

"They will help you understand your cancer, it's stage and treatment options, your reactions and your apprehension."

The McGrath Foundation's mission is to ensure no one goes through breast cancer without the care of a breast care nurse and raises funds to provide them where they are most needed across Australia.

Currently the McGrath Foundation fund 185 McGrath Breast Care Nurses, who provide physical and emotional support for free to anyone experiencing breast cancer and their families.

Their goal is 250 McGrath Breast Care Nurses by 2025 as they work towards their mission of ensuring no one misses out on care.

This October, the McGrath Foundation is calling on Australians to turn pink and fundraise as part of its new 'Pink Is the Colour' campaign.

'Pink Is the Colour' encourages individuals, families, workplaces and communities to pink up to any degree they like, from decorating the whole town to hosting a cricket match.

McGrath Foundation Ambassador and Director, Tracy Bevan said, "With over 20,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer this year, the help of our McGrath Breast Care Nurses is needed more than ever.

"The great thing about 'Pink Is the Colour' is that there is no set way to fundraise; it's completely up to you!

"Whoever wants to get involved, and however they want to turn pink, will have the support of our McGrath Foundation fundraising team to help make it as pink as possible," Tracy said.

There are many ways people can fundraise this year, including entire towns turning pink to high teas, fun runs, head shaves and tug of wars.

Turning pink will help the McGrath Foundation towards its goal of funding 250 McGrath Breast Care Nurses by 2025.

How pink will you go? Register now: www.pinkisthecolour.com.au

  • ACM, publisher of this website, is a proud community partner of the McGrath Foundation.