Pink event raises $25k

The Hedland community raised more than $25,000 during the 11th annual Pink Ribbon Breakfast at the Ibis Styles Hotel in Port Hedland last month.

The annual event, presented by the Hedland Well Women’s Centre and BHP Billiton, raises vital funds in support of the many thousands of Australian women and men affected by breast cancer.

This year more than 150 residents turned up to support the cause, dressed in their finest pink wares.

Guests were treated to a delicious buffet breakfast and a host of fundraising activities including, a silent auction, a “breast dressed” competition and a very entertaining live auction hosted by real estate spruiker Rick Hockey.

National Breast Cancer Foundation WA fundraiser executive Lana do Canto was invited to share the story of two breast cancer sufferers, which illustrated just how far we have come with research and treatment options in the last 20 years.

Ms do Canto said events like the Pink Ribbon Breakfast made a real difference to funding “life-saving” research.

“The National Breast Cancer Foundation was established specifically to fund research to improve outcomes and survival rates of women diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said.

“Thanks to advancements in research, the five year survival rate for women with breast cancer has increased from 76 per cent to more than 89 per cent.

“This is hopeful news for the 42 Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer each day... breast cancer isn’t the death sentence it once was and we’re very grateful for your support.”

Ms do Canto said the Hedland community had raised more than $210,000 for breast cancer research since starting the annual event in 2004.

“I can’t get over how generous everyone is…all these funds provide a step forward towards our goal of zero deaths from breast cancer by 2030,” she said.

“If we continue to fund research, it will mean in our lifetime the next generation of breast cancer patients will survive long term and eventually die of old age.”

Well Women’s event coordinator Samantha Wainwright said thanked the Hedland community for their continued generosity, with all proceeds going towards the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

“The event has become so well-known over the 11 years it has been running in Hedland,” she said.

“I must also extend a big thank you to my wonderful committee from the Well Women’s Centre, who all volunteer their time…such amazing ladies who keep coming back to help up out every year.”