It was all pink everywhere

Pink reigned supreme at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) two days ago – Thursday 5 January. It was the third day of the Australia-Pakistan Test match. Wherever one looked it was pink. Spectators were wearing pink. Commentators were swearing pick jackets and pink/blue ties. The players had pink badges on the shirts. The umpires had pink bands round their hats. The wickets were painted pick. The cops were also wearing pink caps in place of their normal hats.

It was ‘Pink Day’ renamed’ Jane McGrath Day’ in honour of Jane, wife of Australian bowling legend Glenn McGrath. She succumbed to breast cancer nine years ago when she was 42.

As the Australian players walked out to the field, Glenn McGrath, also in a pink jacket met them, shook hands with each player and collected the pink caps given to each to be autographed. They were to be used for fundraising. 

McGrath Foundation was formed 11 years ago when Jane was suffering from cancer and is today one of the most recognised and respected charities, known for its innovative approach and personal touch.

 The Foundation collects funds to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia. The idea originated when Jane found her breast care nurse extremely helpful for her physical and mental wellbeing. 

The Foundation’s vision states: To ensure every Australian family experiencing breast cancer has access to a breast cancer nurse no matter where they live or their financial situation.

This year’s Pink Test aimed at raising A$ 390,000, enough for one nurse to work for three years. By Thursday evening A$100,000 had been raised. More were expected from corporates and other well-wishers. 

Cricket Australia and the Commonwealth Bank are most supportive of the Foundation’s effort. 

More than 50,000 Australians experiencing breast cancer and their families have now been supported by McGrath Breast Care Nurses, but demand continues to outstrip supply, according to the Foundation.

It states that with five-year survival rates for breast cancer now at 90 per cent, and the number of people living with a previous breast cancer diagnosis growing from 159,235 in 2008 to a projected 209,200 in 2017, Australia has a critical gap in breast care nursing services which is set to widen by 38 per cent in the next five years. 

To address this urgent need, the Foundation confirmed that in 2017 an additional seven new nurses will join the 110 nurses already located around the country. 

“We are working closely with the local area health services in each state to place these new nurse positions in areas of greatest need. On average each McGrath Breast Care Nurse supports 100 patients and their families at any given time,” says the CEO of the Foundation.

In order to close the gap in service, the McGrath Foundation has set in place a comprehensive five year plan to raise funds to continue to place new nurses. Embracing a business-savvy and start-up mentality that is digitally focused and technology driven, the McGrath Foundation confirms that it has grown its funded nursing workforce by 36% since 2014. 

Jane’s two children, James (16) and sister Holly (15) are also getting involved in the work of the Foundation helping out with fundraising. 

Funds are desperately needed for numerous projects connected with cancer with one in eight Australian women being diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 85. Statistics have revealed that last year, nearly 16,000 Australian women and about 150 men were diagnosed with breast cancer and 3073 were predicted to die from the disease.