Superwoman Goes Pink!

Hi guys, 

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page!

In May 2013, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with breast cancer. This is definitely not something that anyone ever imagines will happen to them at the ripe old age of 30!

Thankfully I was lucky enough to discover the lump on my own, and managed to find it early. However, there are many young women out there that discover they have breast cancer too late. Being less than 50 years old, these women are not eligible for regular mammograms, so the only way to detect breast cancer is via personal examination. Unfortunately, and myself included, most young women don't believe that they need to worry about monthly breast exams because "it will never happen to me, I'm too young".

While lying in my hospital bed after my first surgery, I came to the realisation that something positive had to come out of this experience. I made a decision that I want to make a difference, and help to promote breast cancer awareness to young women. We need to get the message out there that it is vital that they not only do monthly breast exams, but that they know their body, know how to properly check their breasts, and that they go see a doctor if they suspect anything at all is wrong. One of the biggest praises I have received from all my specialists, is how happy they are that I went to see my GP straight away as soon as I found the lump. If I had even left it a few more weeks, I would be in a completely different situation where I'd be now undergoing chemotherapy and a double mastectomy.

My first aim is to raise $10,000 for the McGrath Foundation. I chose that figure because my tumor was initially 10mm in size when detected via ultrasound, despite being 24mm when finally removed. I would love your support to help raise as much as we can for the McGrath Foundation!

I am constantly being asked by friends and family how they can help me through this difficult time. Here is your chance... please donate and help make a difference to other young women. Once I'm feeling better, I will also start going in charity fun runs and bike rides... would love you all to support me then as well, or even join me!

All funds raised will be donated to the The McGrath Foundation, to help raise breast awareness in young women. They also help ensure that every family affected by breast cancer in Australia has access to a Breast Care Nurse, no matter where they live or what their financial situation. They estimate that they need at least another 150 breast care nurses to acheive this. These nurses are amazing, and were definitely a great support to me during this ordeal.

It's simple to help make a difference. Just click on the "Donate" button to make a donation, and you will be emailed a tax deductible receipt straight away if your donation was over $2. Just think, giving money is the easy part...I've spent the last 5 months fighting for my life, and hopefully we can help ensure that other young women out there don't have to go through a similar experience.

To find out more about the McGrath Foundation, visit www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au

As they say at the McGrath Foundation, together we can make a difference!

Thanks so much for your support! 

Belle

******************************************************************************************

Thanks to everyone who helped with and participated in the following past events:

1. ANZ Business Execution Team morning tea

2. ANZ Australia Marketing Team morning tea

3. James and Matt's Pink Beard week

4. Bec's Arbonne party

5. ANZ Retail Services