Breast cancer survivors, their families and supporters are urging Australians to ‘Stand With Me at the ‘G’ on Sunday 12 August as part of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and Melbourne Football Club’s fifth Field of Women.
Thousands of people will stand together on the MCG in the shape of the iconic Pink Lady before the Melbourne vs Sydney Swans match to represent the 18,235 Australians who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018.
Melbourne breast cancer survivor Jo Francis is one of those women. Jo was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, and experienced the shock of breast cancer afresh when she was diagnosed for a second time late last year. Not long afterwards, her cousin passed away from breast cancer. Jo has attended every Field of Women with her mother Glenys Ruff, who has also had breast cancer. Jo will attend this year with her mum, husband Doug and their two daughters, aged 3 and 5.
“Standing on the MCG in a sea of pink and blue ponchos in the shape of the Pink Lady is a spine-tingling experience. It is raw, real, emotional, empowering and provides a sense of community and understanding in a sometimes lonely journey. I would never miss a Field of Women, and urge people to come along and stand with me at the ‘G.”
BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti said: “The Field of Women is a powerful way to bring breast cancer statistics to life. Every single person standing on the MCG will represent an Australian who will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.”
“We know that breast cancer doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed – it has a ripple effect among family, friends, work colleagues and the wider community. By asking people to ‘Stand With Me At The ‘G’, we’re drawing attention to the sheer number of Australians diagnosed with breast cancer. It is also an opportunity to remember those who are no longer with us.”
Melbourne Football Club CEO Peter Jackson said was it honour for the club to be part of an important event.
“We encourage everyone to show their support by participating in the Field of Women, prior to our round 21 match against Sydney Swans at the MCG,” he said.
“Melbourne Football Club has been a partner of Breast Cancer Network Australia for more than 10 years.
“During that time, we have heard some inspiring stories of individuals and their families, who have faced breast cancer.
“It’s a cause that’s important to our club, our fans and the community.
“The Pink Lady Match is one way we can all pay tribute to those who have been impacted.”
V/Line is offering free return train and coach travel to all Field of Women event ticket holders (transport must be pre-booked at a V/Line ticket office), and Virgin Australia is offering special rates on flights for those travelling to the event from interstate.
The Field of Women raises awareness and much-needed funds for BCNA to continue its work supporting Australians affected by breast cancer.
BCNA acknowledges the financial support of the Victorian Government and Red Energy, which ensures that 100% of the $59 Field of Women ticket price goes directly to BCNA.
For more information, visit bcna.org.au/fieldofwomen.
