A Springwood fundraising campaign has raised more than $96,800 to support women facing breast cancer, helping fund specialist care for patients navigating a new diagnosis.
About 200 people dressed in pink gathered at LIONS@Springwood at Rochedale South for the club’s seventh annual Go Pink luncheon, the culmination of three months of fundraising.
The money will support the early breast cancer care coordinator role at Mater Cancer Care Centre at South Brisbane, helping patients and families navigate diagnosis and treatment.
Mater care coordinator Esther White said her role was to provide consistent support through an unfamiliar experience.
“I work with a lot of our specialist teams, and I’m really that constant support person,” Ms White said.
“Not every patient has the same needs, it’s often a bit of a journey… it really transitions through different stages.”
The ‘At the Ballet’ themed event brought together club members, businesses and supporters during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The club has a longstanding commitment to breast cancer support, raising more than $58,000 in 2022 and receiving a Health and Wellbeing Award at the 2023 Keno and Clubs Queensland Awards for Excellence.
Ms White said community generosity also provided reassurance to patients.
“Our patients don’t feel alone if they see events like this and see the community supporting them,” she said.
With about one in seven Australian women expected to develop breast cancer during their lifetime, Ms White encouraged people to seek medical advice about concerning changes.
“If you’re not sure, ask the question – nothing is embarrassing.”
Mater Foundation chief executive Andrew Thomas encouraged residents to continue supporting breast cancer services by hosting their own Breasties Brunch during October.
Residents can register through Mater Foundation.
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