On Sunday more than 125,000 people came together across Australia to take part in the Mother’s Day Classic fun run and raise support for Breast Cancer research. My family and I took part in the Gold Coast run and it was great to see so many people supporting such an important cause.
In Australia breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and, after lung cancer, it is the second most common cancer to kill women. The annual fun run and walk gives people the opportunity to raise money and awareness through fundraising, volunteering or simply spreading the word through their networks.
Raising awareness is just as important as raising funds because it motivates people to get themselves checked and this, at the end of the day, could save a life. While the researchers are doing what they can to improve the statistics, ordinary people like you or I can do our part to stimulate discussion and spread awareness.
My wife, 10 year old, 8 year old and I went down to Broadbeach and ran 4km of the stretch of road between Broadbeach and Nobby’s with a pink crowd. In other states across the country thousands of others did the same.
As well as raising vital funds and awareness the run is also a special time to pay tribute to those who have been affected by breast cancer. Jan Bray, the Queensland organiser, says:
“I get feedback about how important it is for women with breast cancer and the families who have lost people to the disease […] They actually say that by participating in it makes them feel supported and recognised. And that experience really gives them some strength.” (source:abc news)
Each year all proceeds from the Mother’s Day Classic, including both fundraising and registration fees, goes to Breast Cancer Research. Since it started in 1998 the event has raised more than $20 million.
If you are 50-74 years of age a mammographic screening every two years is recommended. For more information visit the Cancer Council website or talk to your doctor.