Australian streets turned pink yesterday as more than 130,000 Australians across a record 74 locations walked or ran for breast cancer research.
Organisers of the Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic expect this year's fundraising total to surpass $4 million, on top of the $14.8 million raised in previous years – making it the single biggest donor to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
“We are very excited that the Mother’s Day Classic continues to grow - people recognise the importance of research and we are honoured that the community has helped us achieve record fundraising and unprecedented growth in regional areas," according to Louise Davidson, National Chair of Mother's Day Classic.
“As well as raising funds for breast cancer research, the Mother’s Day Classic provides an opportunity to honour and support those affected by the disease. It also serves as a powerful reminder to us all of the importance of early detection.
"We thank the women, men and children who joined today's sea of pink. Together they have helped make Mother's Day memorable and meaningful as the nation's largest charity event."
42 Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer each day in Australia. Because of research, survival rates have doubled since the Mother's Day Classic began 16 years ago.
Current NBCF projects supported by Mother's Day Classic funding include: investigating whether 3D breast mammograms are more effective than conventional mammograms, improving chemotherapy effectiveness, developing new drugs to treat advanced breast cancer, preventing the spread of cancer to the bone and improving the physical wellbeing of survivors.
Previous projects funded include one highlighted in the recent independent review of the positive impact of NBCF research - Dr Belinda Thewes' study helped change the way clinicians deal with young women with breast cancer so that treatment options and the implications for fertility and early menopause are taken into consideration.
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