A Cause Close to the Heart
Did you know that, on average, 57 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer each week? That equates to 20,000 Australians each year, and it makes breast cancer the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. Many Australians, even if not diagnosed themselves, are likely to know someone who is or will be within their lifetime.
During the month of October, the St Aloysius College community recognised breast cancer awareness month, which culminated in our annual Pink Day. This is a fundraising and awareness raising event, with all proceeds supporting the Cancer Council; an organisation which aims to minimise the prevalence of cancer through successful prevention, quality treatment, support for patients and their families, and world-class research.
The first Pink Day at St Aloysius College was held in memory of Nicole Jacobs, a well-respected teacher in SAC’s Science faculty from 2008 until 2015. Nicole sadly died from breast cancer in June 2015.
Each year for Pink Day, all students and staff are encouraged to come to school dressed in the colour pink and bring along a gold coin donation. There are also a range of engaging and educational activities that students can choose to participate in to increase their knowledge about breast cancer and learn about some of the organisations, like Cancer Council, who are working to save lives.
One opportunity that students enjoyed this year was composing and decorating personal letters of support for breast cancer patients. People suffering from any forms of cancer may experience stages of loneliness, grief and anxiety, and it is the students’ hope that their letters of support will warm the hearts of those who are presently receiving treatment.
It’s not only the students’ words that are encouraging; their actions are having a tangible impact, too! On Pink Day, the SAC community raised $2111.90 for the Cancer Council SA’s Breast Cancer Fund. According to the Cancer Council, “…through a combination of prevention and screening, the survival rate for breast cancer now sits at 91 per cent—this is an increase from 25 years ago when it was just 75 per cent.” That is, in part, thanks to funds raised within the community through events like SAC’s annual Pink Day.
Another practical way that the SAC community has showed support this year is by sewing special bags that breast cancer patients can use after surgery to discretely carry a lymph node drainage container.
We thank the SAC Community for their ongoing support to raise awareness and funds in support of breast cancer prevention, research and treatment. The Justice and Mercy team will be accepting donations of sewn bags until the end of Term 1 next year, so please email [email protected] if you are interested in contributing. We continue to keep all members of our community who are affected by breast cancer in our minds and hearts.
- Breast Cancer Statistics in Australia | NBCF
- Cancer Council SA : Template TSF Breast Cancer Fund (cancersa.org.au)
Ms Maddie Kelly
Marketing & Communications Team
