RAAF Base Williamtown dug deep to support breast cancer awareness on October 26.
On average, one in seven women and one in 700 men, will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
RAAF Base Williamtown’s efforts to raise money for the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Breast Cancer Foundation and educate men and women of the risks, identification, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer was an opportunity not to be overlooked, especially with a number of cancer survivors serving at the base.
Repurposing the COVID-19 drive-through clinic on base, volunteers donned hot pink safety vests to hand out breakfasts in a socially distanced, COVID-safe manner to base personnel asking for a donation in return.
Organisers Flight Sergeant Gail Blizzard – a breast cancer survivor – and Wing Commander Sue Yates, Women’s Integrated Networking Group (WINGs) Williamtown Coordinator, have previously united efforts for breast cancer fundraising events on base.
“We were determined that COVID-19 restrictions would not stop fundraising and breast cancer awareness efforts for a second year particularly given the statistics,” Wing Commander Yates said.
Flight Sergeant Blizzard said “an unexpected diagnosis of breast cancer, without showing any symptoms”, was an important story to share to raise awareness of early diagnosis and treatment.
Recognising many personnel were still continuing to work from home, the fundraising goal was set at $500 but donations well exceeded that. The event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Defence Health and Compass Group, with staff providing a great breakfast to start the day comprising a bacon and egg roll, pink fruit, pink cupcake and juice.
Supporting local business, a coffee van was also funded by Compass.
Fundraising, however, was not the only goal of the day, with WINGs hosting a base-wide education session on the importance of breast health awareness.
Flight Sergeant Blizzard said the education session included Air Force women talking about their own breast cancer experience as well as a Williamtown Women’s Health Clinic nurse providing a presentation on the how and when to undertake self-examination and the support and clinical care provided through medical.
“My unexpected diagnosis of breast cancer, without showing any symptoms, was an important story to share to raise awareness of early diagnosis and treatment,” Flight Sergeant Blizzard said.
“Our events are important in raising funds for research and a cure for breast cancer.
“Being able to share my story at WINGs, along with Air Force friends who have also survived breast cancer, will hopefully encourage women to consider booking a mammogram from the age of 40 rather than thinking breast cancer is only present with obvious symptoms.”
About $1800 was raised for the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Breast Cancer Foundation, made possible with the fantastic support of Compass Group.
