PROUDLY SUPPORTING PEOPLE AFFECTED BY BREAST CANCER FOR 25 YEARS
T he Field of Women is BCNA’s most powerful and visible message and brings the statistics of breast cancer to life. In 1998, to launch BCNA, an inaugural Field of Women was planted on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra with 10,000 Pink Lady silhouettes that represented the women diagnosed that year and 2,500 white silhouettes to remember the women we would lose. Since then, Mini-Field of Women tributes have been held in hundreds of locations across the country to raise awareness of breast cancer and provide support to communities. In 2005, we brought the Field of Women to life on the biggest stage – the MCG in Melbourne. Over 11,500 people wearing pink ponchos formed the Pink Lady silhouette in a moving and inspirational tribute. This moment catapulted BCNA into the spotlight and united the network in a powerful and meaningful way. CONNECTING PEOPLE
This month we are holding two information forums – Karratha and Bunbury, WA. To register visit bcna.org.au PARTNERING FOR CHANGE BCNA’s committed, long-term corporate partners have expanded our reach and provided the funding we need to keep innovating. Our Foundation Partner, Bakers Delight, and Major Partners, Berlei, Sussan and Red Energy, continue to support us because they truly believe in what we do and are committed to helping us support everyone affected by breast cancer. ‘We have franchisees and customers who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, so our connection to BCNA goes well beyond our partnership. Our relationship has thrived for more than 20 years because it’s not dependant on just one or two people – it really is a network of people helping each other.’ – Lesley Gillespie OAM, Bakers Delight Co-Founder ‘In 25 years’ time, my granddaughters will be reaching an age where breast cancer may come into their lives. If breast cancer is still here, if it hasn’t been eradicated or if we haven’t found a way to prevent it from happening, then I would hope that BCNA is still a haven that can be relied upon.’ – Lyn Swinburne AO, BCNA Founder ‘I want to see everyone, not just those with the strongest voices, getting the best care. I also want BCNA to continue to help those diagnosed to find each other and to feel a sense of shared understanding through the connections we foster.’ – Kirsten Pilatti, BCNA CEO
‘It’s incredibly powerful to stand together alongside others and, whilst acknowledging those who haven’t made it, say, “I’m grateful to be alive and stand here and celebrate.”.’ – Lyn Swinburne AO, BCNA Founder This year’s Field of Women will be held on 20 August. Buy your tickets at fieldofwomen.org.au CREATING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS Our network is formed and strengthened by connecting people and communities affected by breast cancer. Our members benefit from connecting with others who understand what they are going through. Whether it’s through our Online Network , attending a BCNA Information Forum or reading personal stories in The Beacon , these connections can make a real difference to people’s experiences and make them feel they are not alone. To join the Online Network, visit onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au
The amazing members were so open and welcoming. They were honest with
their support, advice and suggestions. This network saved me from being in a big black hole feeling all alone and helpless. I have made life- long friends. – Online Network user
BCNA’s Living Well with breast cancer Information Forums
COMING TOGETHER TO CONNECT, LEARN AND SHARE Connecting with our network face to face around the country is an important way that we provide information and support and hear firsthand our members’ experiences. This has been the case since 1998, when 300 women from across Australia gathered at Old Parliament House in Canberra for the first National Breast Cancer
Conference for Women. Over the past 25 years, BCNA’s conferences, summits and information forums have provided face-to-face support to over 18,000 people. ‘Leading up to the Information Forum in Port Lincoln, I hadn’t felt emotionally supported since my diagnosis. Listening to others share their stories, even though they were on different paths, allowed me to feel that my feelings and emotions were normal.’ – Rachael, BCNA Member
THE RIPPLE EFFECT Local community organisations are often the heart of a personal support network that extends beyond the immediate family, close friends and medical treatment team throughout someone’s breast cancer experience. For 25 years, local community groups have been connecting with BCNA for ways to show and extend support to those around them. Some host PLAY4BCNA Pink Sports Days or Pink Lady events. Others participate in activities like fun runs or head shaves. Every dollar raised for BCNA helps us continue to be here every day for those who need us. To find out more about how your community can get involved to support BCNA and those around you, visit bcna.org.au
THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO DO!
BCNA remains committed to being a strong network that continues to evolve in response to the needs of those affected by breast cancer in Australia. We know that in another 25 years’ time, this may be very different, in anticipation of further advances in prevention, improved services to support living with and beyond breast cancer, and innovative new ways that we access health information. We asked BCNA’s Founder and CEO for some thoughts on where they see BCNA in 25 years’ time:
2014 Field of Women, Melbourne
Kirsten Pilatti and Lyn Swinburne AO
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June 2023 | Issue 95
Breast Cancer Network Australia
bcna.org.au
Issue 95 | June 2023
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