Going pink for breast cancer awareness

DINE For Pink is back at the Geelong Harness Racing Club, increasing breast cancer awareness within the community and raising money to support the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).

At the annual event, attendees will be treated to a night of racing as they enjoy a three-course meal, silent and live auctions, guest speakers and more.

Geelong Harness Racing Club General Manager Joe Fiala said it’s a great event the club holds in May every year.

“It’s so unbelievable the awareness we get from people attending that have unfortunately had breast cancer and are surviving patients.

“We have some surviving patients that are in remission that will speak on the night, we’ve also got a couple of surgeons from St John of God speaking as well.”

Geelong resident and breast cancer survivor Daniela Damevska will return for a second year as the guest speaker at the event.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2022 after finding a hard lump in her breast, since then, she has undergone six months of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and most recently, ovarian surgery.

Ms Damevska said she often donated to different organisations but has now experienced first-hand where the money goes and the difference it can make to people’s lives, including the cancer nurses and support groups.

“You don’t know when your helping, sometimes you’re helping yourself, which was my case, but you’re also helping your sister, your mum, your brother, everyone.

“When you’re not in that world you don’t know how much those people help, you didn’t even know they existed.”

Ms Damevska said if she can get 10 women from the event to go and get their breasts checked, it will be a win for her.

“I’m hoping with an event like this, we can raise awareness and more young people will get checked.”

There is a wide variety of prizes up for grabs in the auctions, ranging from vouchers and weekends away to sporting memorabilia, which have all been donated.

Mr Fiala said the breast cancer awareness event was an initiative of Harness Racing Victoria, who run Pacing for Pink events throughout the month.

The Geelong event is now one of 26 country club tracks across the state who hold a Dine for Pink night.

This year is looking to be a sell-out event once again with around 200 people coming together.

Dine for Pink will take place on May 17 at the Geelong Harness Racing Club, guests are encouraged to wear a touch of pink.

For tickets and more information, head to geelonghrc.org.au or call 5275 4880