On Sunday the community came together to show overwhelming support at the Metropole Hotel for Tickled Pink for a Cure, an event to raise funds and provide support for anyone with cancer. With a raffle, games, live music, and prizes for the best pink outfit and decorated bra, it was a wonderfully warm feeling to see so many people come together to support the cause.
Breast cancer does not discriminate, it can strike anyone at any time, women, men and children. The treatment process can be daunting and scary when facing it alone and this is why the McGrath Foundation was created, to provide nurses who are there for patients every step of the process. The impact of the foundation has been so successful they are now looking to expand beyond breast cancer to all types of cancer.
Denise McCallum, one of two McGrath Foundation nurses for the Mackay and Whitsundays areas, spoke at the event saying, “It’s a privilege and an honour to be invited to join them on this life journey.” Reiterating the importance of the McGrath service as cancer in the region spans from the mid-20s to the 80s with an increasing number of younger women being diagnosed.
We spoke to Casie Shakespeare, who had undergone treatment with the support of a McGrath nurse and said “Don't get me wrong, I'm very strong, and I was not going to let it beat me.” and that her nurse “was with me through that whole process, I've had surgery, ... and my breast cancer nurse come to see me after surgery, and asked, how are you going? What do you need? Have they done this? Have they done that, making sure that I had the best possible treatment?”
Cancer is not a topic most people talk about, but it's there and to see so many people come together to raise awareness was happily overwhelming. Jacqui Barrett an organiser of the event was near to tears with the turnout, as the event sold out within a week of advertising just proving how much the people here care: “It is such an important cause, and I suppose we feel humble, with so many people coming together.”
To make a donation and support cancer patients Australia-wide so no one goes through treatment alone, go to www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/give/donate/
McGrath nurse Denise McCallum, and organisers Sue Connors, Casie Shakespeare, Jaqui Barrett. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton
Huge turnout to support the Tickled Pink for A Cure. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton