Hastings Deering has packed out its Mackay base in pink and hosted their very own Breasties Brunch to support locals impacted by breast cancer.
With a fundraising goal of $10,000, the event is one of dozens of Breasties Brunches being hosted across Queensland for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, raising funds for Mater Chicks in Pink.
Community generosity has allowed Mater Chicks in Pink to fund a new breast care nurse position in at Mater in Mackay.
The event hosted a presentation by Mackay-based Mater breast surgeon Dr Wendela Schimmer, as well as a panel Q&A discussing early detection of breast cancer and breast care services in front of around 100 guests.
Mater Private Hospital Mackay Nurse Unit Manager Elly Engstrom said the new breast care nurse position will help breast cancer patients and their families navigate a challenging time.
“Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be frightening, but at Mater we are committed to supporting our patients right throughout their care journey,” Ms Engstrom said.
“Our new breast care nurse will be able to deliver an even more personal level of care for Mater patients.
“One in seven Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, so the support from the community at events like today’s are so important, both to fundraise for better services and to rally around people impacted by breast cancer in the Mackay community.”
Hastings Deering Regional Manager Andy Watson said the company was proud to support Mater Chicks in Pink once again.
“Over the past three years, our Mackay team has raised more than $20,000, contributing to a partnership between Hastings Deering and Mater Chicks in Pink that has raised more than $250,000 over the past 15 years,” Mr Watson said.
“These funds help provide specialist breast care nurses, support services and equipment that make a meaningful difference for women and families navigating a breast cancer diagnosis.
“We are incredibly proud of our ongoing commitment to this cause, and we hope our fundraising efforts encourage important conversations, support life-changing care and research, and help improve outcomes for those affected by breast cancer."
One in four Queensland women with breast cancer will receive treatment at a Mater facility.
You can support Mater Chicks in Pink this Breast Cancer Awareness Month by hosting your own Breasties Brunch.
Find out more at fundraise.mater.org.au/breastiesbrunch.
Pictured: Mater Mackay breast surgeon Dr Wendela Schimmer, Hastings Deering's Raelene Brown and Andy Watson, and Mater Mackay nurse unit manager Elly Engstrom.
