Bellarine women raise vital funds for breast cancer research

THE Bellarine Women’s Network (BWN) raised more than $14,000 for National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) at its sixth annual Pink Ribbon Breakfast, doubling its contribution from the previous year.

Held at French-inspired restaurant Claribeaux at the Curlewis Golf Club, the event’s 200 guests were treated to a talk by guest speaker Dr Trish Banks, a Geelong-based medical oncologist.

Funds were raised through a combination of event ticket sales, mystery envelopes, and a silent auction and raffle.

BWN committee member Karen Coulson said the $14,000 raised “well exceeded the organising committee’s expectations”.

“The National Breast Cancer Foundation is the only national body that funds life-changing breast cancer research with money raised entirely by the Australian public.

“Research is the only way to prevent deaths and improve how breast cancer is diagnosed, managed and treated.”

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer amongst women in Australia, with 1 in 7 expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime.

For Australian men this figure currently sits at 1 in 500, but the incidence of breast cancer continues to increase across all genders.

BWN committee member Jenny Reid said the cause was dear to the organising committee’s hearts as five of its eight members had previously battled breast cancer.

She said the ongoing support and generous donations from local businesses for the organisation’s Pink Ribbon Breakfast were “overwhelming”.

“You’ve only just got to say, ‘we’re doing a breakfast for Pink Ribbon’ and it’s like, ‘right, what do you want’.”

Since the NCBF began funding breast cancer research in 1994, breast cancer deaths have decreased by 40 per cent.

But, on average, nine Australians still lose their lives to the disease every day.

The NBCF continues to work towards its vision of zero breast cancer deaths.

To donate to the NBCF, head to nbcf.org.au.

To get involved with the Bellarine Women’s Network, email Karen Coulson at [email protected]