Raelene Boyle contemplates the Breast Cancer Network Australia’s Field of Women … the inaugural Field of Women was set up on the lawns of Old Parliament House in 1998 as part of the Pink Ladies campaign for breast cancer awareness; the pink silhouettes represent women diagnosed with breast cancer, and the white ones those women who will die from the disease 

November 12, 2012

Olympic legend Raelene Boyle is used to overcoming life’s hurdles – whether they be on the track or breast and ovarian cancer.

And despite setbacks, Raelene continues to inspire women to achieve good health.

She will be the guest speaker on Friday, November 23, at a fund-raising dinner which will be held at the Orana Lutheran Complex in Kingaroy.

The night is entitled “Overcoming the Hurdles of Life Through Positive Living – Go For Gold And Pink!”.

Raelene will share her experiences and stories about her sporting career. She represented Australia at three Olympic Games as a sprinter and won three silver medals. She also won seven gold medals at the Commonwealth Games.

“Gold and pink are two symbols which are meaningful for me,” she said.

“Gold for perfection and pink representing breast cancer.”

Orana Lutheran Complex general Manager Richard Fahy said proceeds from a raffle and an auctioned gift pack will go toward Breast Cancer Network Australia on the night.

“We want to help fundraise for such an important cause,” he said.

Raelene has been a BCNA board member and ambassador since 1998. BCNA is represented by the Pink Lady silhouette and provides support to Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families.

The former sprinter will speak about a topic close to her heart and give invaluable advice to other women confronting the disease.

“BCNA represent the women with the disease going through the journey and it is vitally important we stand together as one,” she said.

“Many voices heading in the right direction can help make a change and make the journey better for all women diagnosed.

“Around 14,000 women are diagnosed in Australia each year and all women should have all the information at their fingertips to guide them through all the decisions they need to make regarding their treatment.”

BCNA Chief Executive Officer Maxine Morand urged the local community to unite behind the cause and attend the event.

“Raelene is an inspiration and she is very positive,” she said.

“She is getting on with her life and staying as fit as she can.”

Maxine said women in remote and rural Australia face additional challenges when diagnosed with breast cancer.

“It is fairly standard to have radiotherapy and if you are living a long way from a treatment centre the travel creates quite a challenge,” Maxine said.

“Not only do these women have breast cancer but are leaving behind their families, their jobs and their support.

Maxine thanked Orana for holding the fundraiser.

“It’s not just raising money – but raising awareness, which means a lot to local people affected by breast cancer.”

South Burnett Private Hospital General Manager Joanne Eussen said early diagnosis was the best prevention for breast cancer.

“We all need to work together to support women and their families in rural areas with health problems,” she said.

Joanne said the hospital had services to support women with breast cancer with visiting specialists, the potential to provide breast surgery and nurses available to provide direction and support.

“The hospital works in collaboration with visiting medical officers, community service providers, patients and their families to provide support and education to assist with informed treatment decisions,” she said.

“The access to specialists and treatment in their local rural community will assist women and aid in their recovery by being closer to family.

“Women need to be aware of their bodies, carry out regular breast examinations and visit their GPs if they have any concerns.”

The dinner will kick off at 6:00pm and feature a banquet, lucky door prizes, raffles and live entertainment for 20 tables of 10 guests.

Each seat costs $44 or $400 for a table of 10 (including GST). People interested in attending the event should telephone Richard Fahy at Orana on (07) 4162-6555 to make a booking.