Breast Cancer Network Australia
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is a not-for-profit organisation that supports Australians affected by breast cancer.[1] BCNA works to ensure that Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very best support, information, treatment and care appropriate to their individual needs.
BCNA is the peak national organisation for Australians affected by breast cancer, and consists of a network of more than 100,000 individual members and 300 Member Groups.
BCNA is represented by the Pink Lady silhouette, symbolic of our focus on the woman diagnosed with breast cancer and all those around her.
BCNA provides many resources to support women and families affected by breast cancer. These include:
- My Journey Kit - a free comprehensive information kit for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. BCNA began distributing the kit in 2004 and now distributes more than 12,000 My Journey Kits each year.
- My Care Kit - contains a specially designed Berlei bra and soft form/s for women who have undergone breast surgery as a result of breast cancer.
- Hope & Hurdles - a pack for women with secondary (metastatic, advanced) breast cancer.
- BCNA website - is a comprehensive resource for those wanting information on breast cancer, or to learn about research, activities, support and services available for people affected by breast cancer. It features fact-sheets, links to other trusted websites and resources and a directory of member-recommended local services and support.
- Online Network - BCNA's online network allows Australians affected by breast cancer to connect and share their experiences, regardless of location. BCNA launched it's online network in 2010 and now supports over 13,000 members online.
History
In 1998, Lyn Swinburne envisaged an organisation that would positively influence the way breast cancer was considered in the community. Her goal was for people to talk openly about the disease and acknowledge its enormous personal impact.[2]
Following a public meeting in every state and territory, over 300 women came together to discuss issues affecting women with breast cancer. An action plan was developed and formed the inaugural Making a Difference Report. The official launch of BCNA took place following this conference, at the inaugural Field of Women, a visual display of breast cancer statistics on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra.[3]
BCNA's aims included:
- keeping scientists focused on discovering what might cause the disease and how its toll could be reduced
- encouraging health professionals to see the people diagnosed as individuals, with changing needs
- provision of timely and quality information so women could make important decisions about their treatment and health care; and
- ensuring breast cancer was on the agenda of governments and people in planning services.
Lyn retired as CEO of BCNA in November 2011.[4] Maxine Morand served as CEO from November 2011 until December 2014.[5][6] Christine Nolan is currently CEO.
BCNA continues to support, inform, represent and connect all Australians affected by breast cancer.
BCNA is one of a number of major breast cancer organisations in Australia. BCNA works co-operatively with the other national organisations including Cancer Australia,[7] National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF),[8] McGrath Foundation [9] and BreastScreen Australia.[10]
Events & campaigns
Key BCNA fundraising initiatives include the Field of Women events held in 2005 (MCG),[11] 2007 (SCG), 2010 (MCG)[12] and 2014 (MCG). At the 2014 event, the most recent, 15,000 people in pink ponchos formed the Pink Lady silhouette, bringing the national breast cancer statistics to life in a sparkling display of strength and support.[13]
The Field of Women events have now been adapted to be held in communities across Australia every year. These events are called Mini-Fields of Women. They centre around a visual display of 100 Pink Lady silhouettes planted in the ground or on display, and often include a simple ceremony. Personal messages are displayed on the silhouettes by family and friends.
In September 2010, AFL champion Shane Crawford embarked on a marathon walk from Adelaide to Melbourne, That's What I'm Walkin' About. Crawford's efforts raised $500,000 for BCNA and he continues to support the organisation. In 2013, Shane Crawford then raised more than $1.32 million for BCNA after riding 3,600 kilometres from Melbourne to Perth in 22 days on his marathon Tour de Crawf from 20 June - 11 July .
Key annual BCNA fundraising and awareness campaigns include Pink Sports Day and the Bakers Delight Pink Bun campaign. The Pink Bun campaign is an annual three week fundraising campaign which sees every Bakers Delight bakery around Australia donate 100% of the sale of their Pink Finger Buns and Paper Pink Lady cut outs to BCNA. In 2015, BCNA and Bakers Delight are celebrating 15 years of working together to support Australians affected by breast cancer. Over the past 15 years Bakers Delight has donated a total of $15 million worth of funds and pro-bono services to BCNA.[14]
Patron & Board
Patron
- Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
Board
- Marg O'Donnell (Chair)
- Andrea Hull, (Deputy Chair)
- Raelene Boyle, AM MBE
- Katherine Fagg
- Michael Happell
- Terry Bracks
- Megan James
- Christobel Saunders
- Debbie Smith
- Dorothy Keefe
- Bruce Mann
CEO
- Christine Nolan
Founder
- Lyn Swinburne, founder and former CEO
References
- ↑ Guide to Giving. Pro Bono Australia. (2010).
- ↑ Changemakers – Lyn Swinburne. Pro Bono Australia News. 2011-11-28.
- ↑ History of the field. Field of Women Live. (2010).
- ↑ Breast Cancer Leader Farewelled. Pro Bono Australia News. 2011-10-25.
- ↑ New appointments and departures. Third Sector News. 2011-09-27.
- ↑ A job close to former minister Maxine Morand’s heart. Herald Sun. 2012-04-28.
- ↑ Who’s who in breast cancer. Cancer Australia. (2011).
- ↑ Useful Links. National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2012).
- ↑ Resources. McGrath Foundation. (2012).
- ↑ About the Program. BreastScreen Australia. (2012).
- ↑ Breast cancer survivor to kick a major goal. The Age. 2005-04-30.
- ↑ Bulldogs and Demons join forces to raise awareness about breast cancer. Marngrook Footy Show. 2010-02-03.
- ↑ Strong ladies make a perfect pink fit. Herald Sun. 2014-05-10.
- ↑ Making the charity dollar and a helping hand work. Herald Sun. 2015-02-11.