Greater Springfield breast cancer survivors and their supporters are being urged to join the ‘Sea of Pink’ in their local community this year to help fight the disease.
Mater Private Hospital Springfield Breast Care Nurse Shiralee Bremner is calling on locals to help paint Springfield pink for the community’s second Mater Chicks in Pink International Women’s Day Fun Run, presented by Queensland X-Ray.
On Sunday 9 March, runners, joggers and walkers can complete a 5km course starting and finishing in their local community to help raise money for breast cancer research, services and equipment.
“Funds raised through the event will provide vital resources to assist breast cancer patients through their journey,” Ms Bremner said.
“From the most practical support like vouchers for bras and wigs to the funding of more breast care nurses in our community, people who participate in the event will make a genuine difference to patients with the disease.”
Ms Bremner is the first breast care nurse at Mater Private Hospital Springfield with her position funded last year through community donations to Mater Foundation.
“I am so grateful to be in a job in my community that I am passionate about,” Ms Bremner said.
“Breast care nurses work closely with patients to help them navigate hospital appointments with specialists, manage side effects of treatment and prepare for survivorship success.”
In Queensland, one in every four women diagnosed with breast cancer will receive treatment at a Mater hospital.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said every dollar raised in the Springfield 5K Your Way event would help those affected by breast cancer – both now and into the future.
He said Mater Foundation recognised the urgent need for a dedicated breast care nurse in Springfield, and thanked the community for its generosity.
“Thanks to the people of Greater Springfield, we’re able to ensure people living with breast cancer in this community have access to a dedicated breast care nurse close to home,” he said.
More than 23,000 Queenslanders are expected to participate in the Fun Run event this year, with virtual events held in regional areas across the state including Springfield.
“This year, we’re hoping to raise more than $1.8m across the state to provide personalised support services and state-of-the-art equipment to better diagnose and treat patients,” he said.
