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Breast Cancer Network Australia

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Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is a not-for-profit organisation that supports Australians affected by breast cancer.[1] Represented by the Pink Lady silhouette, BCNA informs, empowers, represents and links together women and families affected by breast cancer. The organisation is driven by women who have themselves experienced breast cancer and was launched in October, 1998.

BCNA provides many resources to support women and families affected by breast cancer. These include:

  • My Journey Kit - a free comprehensive information kit for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. BCNA began distributing the kit in 1998 and in May 2012 had distributed more than 70,000 My Journey Kits.
  • My Care Kit - contains a specially designed Berlei bra and soft form/s for women who have undergone breast surgery as a result of breast cancer.
  • Hope & Hurdles - a pack for women with secondary (metastatic, advanced) breast cancer.
  • Online Network - In 2010, BCNA launched a new website featuring an Online Network specifically for Australians affected by breast cancer. The Online Network allows people personally affected by breast cancer to connect and share their experiences, regardless of location.


History

In 1998, Lyn Swinburne envisaged an organisation that would positively influence the way breast cancer was considered in the community. Her goal was for people to talk openly about the disease and acknowledge its enormous personal impact.[2]

Following a public meeting in every state and territory, over 300 women came together to discuss issues affecting women with breast cancer. An action plan was developed and formed the inaugural Making a Difference Report. The official launch of BCNA took place following this conference, at the inaugural Field of Women, a visual display of breast cancer statistics on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra.[3]

BCNA's aims included:

  • keeping scientists focused on discovering what might cause the disease and how its toll could be reduced
  • encouraging health professionals to see the people diagnosed as individuals, with changing needs
  • provision of timely and quality information so women could make important decisions about their treatment and health care; and
  • ensuring breast cancer was on the agenda of governments and people in planning services.

Lyn retired as CEO of BCNA in November 2011. [4] Maxine Morand is currently CEO of the organisation.[5] [6]

BCNA continues to work towards helping women and their families access the best information, treatment, care and support, no matter who they are or where they live.

BCNA is one of a number of major breast cancer organisations in Australia. BCNA works co-operatively with the other national organisations including Cancer Australia, [7] National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), [8] McGrath Foundation [9] and BreastScreen Australia.[10]

Events & campaigns

Key BCNA fundraising initiatives include the Field of Women LIVE events held in 2005 (MCG),[11] 2007 (SCG) and 2010 (MCG).[12] At the 2010 event, the most recent, 14,000 people in pink ponchos formed the Pink Lady silhouette, bringing the national cancer statistics to life in a sparkling display of strength and support. [13] [14]

The Field of Women LIVE events have now been adapted to be held in communutities across Australia every year. These events are called Mini-Fields of Women. They centre around a visual display of 100 Pink Lady silhouettes planted in the ground or on display, and often include a simple ceremony. Personal messages are displayed on the silhouettes by family and friends.

In September 2010, AFL champion Shane Crawford embarked on a marathon walk from Adelaide to Melbourne, That's What I'm Walkin' About. Crawford's efforts raised $500,000 for BCNA and he continues to support the organisation.

Key annual BCNA fundraising and awareness campaigns include Pink Footy & Netball Day and the Bakers Delight Pink Bun campaign. The Pink Bun campaign is an annual fundraising campaign which sees every Bakers Delight bakery around Australia donate 100% of the sale of their Pink Finger Buns to BCNA. Each year Bakers Delight bakeries are decorated in pink during the campaign to show support for and to raise awareness for breast cancer and BCNA. [15]

Patron & Board

Patron

  • Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia

Board

  • Marg O'Donnell (Chair)
  • Karen Hayes (Deputy Chair)
  • Terry Bracks (Deputy Chair)
  • Andrew Barling
  • Fran Boyle, AM
  • Raelene Boyle, AM MBE
  • Mike Happell
  • Andrea Hull, AO
  • Christobel Saunders
  • Gabrielle Trainor

CEO

Founder

References

  1. ^ Guide to Giving. Pro Bono Australia. (2010).
  2. ^ Changemakers – Lyn Swinburne. Pro Bono Australia News. 2011-11-28.
  3. ^ History of the field. Field of Women Live. (2010).
  4. ^ Breast Cancer Leader Farewelled. Pro Bono Australia News. 2011-10-25.
  5. ^ New appointments and departures. Third Sector News. 2011-09-27.
  6. ^ A job close to former minister Maxine Morand’s heart. Herald Sun. 2012-04-28.
  7. ^ Who’s who in breast cancer. Cancer Australia. (2011).
  8. ^ Useful Links. National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2012).
  9. ^ Resources. McGrath Foundation. (2012).
  10. ^ About the Program. BreastScreen Australia. (2012).
  11. ^ Breast cancer survivor to kick a major goal. The Age. 2005-04-30.
  12. ^ Bulldogs and Demons join forces to raise awareness about breast cancer. Marngrook Footy Show. 2010-02-03.
  13. ^ A Field of Pink at the MCG Supporting Australians with Breast Cancer. Australian Government. Department of Health and Ageing. 2010-05-07.
  14. ^ Pretty in Pink and pretty effective. Herald Sun. 2010-05-07.
  15. ^ How sticky buns can save lives. Herald Sun. 2011-04-29.
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