Think pink for breast cancer research

Oct 24, 2005

October is internationally recognised as Breast Cancer Month and Holly Tootell, an Associate Lecturer with the University of Wollongong's School of Information Technology and Computer Science (SITACS), will be hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast for Breast Cancer Research next week (Tuesday, October 25) to raise awareness about the importance of research to raise vital funds.

Over 11,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Australia and many others - partners, families, friends and work colleagues - are also directly affected by this disease.

The Pink Ribbon Breakfast will be held to celebrate the progress so far in the search for a cure to the disease and to raise funds, awareness and support.

Money raised from the breakfast will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organisation established in 1994 to promote and support vital research in all aspects of breast cancer.

To date, the Foundation has allocated over $12 million to a large number of breast cancer research projects across Australia into the treatment, prevention and detection of the disease.

Since the breakfast project was established in 2003 thousands of people across Australia including large corporations, community groups and individuals, have taken part and raised over half a million dollars. Organisers like Holly are hoping for a similar show of support this year.

"Join the party, it will be a fun morning. By simply buying a pink ribbon, you are being given the chance to make a difference in another woman's life," Holly said.

Local GP and Illawarra Coordinator of General Practitioners Registrar Training, Dr Saroja Gunasekera, will deliver a presentation on the importance of regular breast examination.

And the dress code for the event?

Pink, pink and more pink!

When: Tuesday, October 25 at 7.45am

Where: Food Re Thought (Bldg 67) University of Wollongong

Cost: $15 for full breakfast + donation. Places are still available but filling fast.

For further information or tickets contact the Employment Equity and Diversity Unit on 4221 3917

***Media please note: A breast cancer survivor will be present at the breakfast to share her experiences and will be available for photo/filming opportunities.