October 3, 2022
The South Burnett’s annual “pink” fundraising campaign to raise money for the McGrath Foundation’s breast care nurses was launched on Monday with a generous donation by two Kingaroy residents.
Barry and Leanne Krosch handed over a cheque for $5000 to local McGrath Foundation breast care nurse Sue Cox.
Sue has been working with breast cancer patients in the South Burnett for about seven years.
And the number of patients she is helping is continuing to grow, with 31 new referrals since January 1.
Sue supports breast cancer patients through the process of their diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
She has about 100 people on her books at present, either undergoing treatment or negotiating their “new normal” in recovery.
Their families also receive valuable support.
Sue said there were about 20,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia every year, and about 200 men.
Breast cancer in men is rare, but Sue has assisted a couple of male patients during her time in the South Burnett.
The “Pinking Up South Burnett” fundraising campaign, organised by local councillors Kathy Duff and Danita Potter, aims to promote fundraising events for the McGrath Foundation throughout the region during October and raise awareness about the work of the breast care nurses.
Businesses – and whole towns – are encouraged to “pink up”, something which has already been embraced by Proston and Yarraman.
Two events have already been held: by long-time supporters, the Yarraman Line Dancers, and the Railway Park parkrun group in Proston which combined their first birthday celebrations on Saturday with fundraising activities.
Sue said there were 185 McGrath Foundation breast care nurses in Australia who have supported more than 110,000 families since 2005.
McGrath nurses offer patients physical, psychological and emotional support.
Donations to the McGrath Foundation to support the program are matched dollar-for-dollar by the Federal Government.
This is the fourth year the local committee has run the Pinking Up promotion, which encourages towns and businesses to “pink up” and hold special pink fundraising events during October.
Last year, the various events raised almost $9000.
Individuals and groups interested in organising “Pinking Up South Burnett” events are urged to contact Sue Cox on 0467-718-068.
External links:
- Pinking Up South Burnett (Facebook)
- The Jane McGrath Story
[UPDATED with correction]
