JESSICA AMBLER
Gold Coasters will rally together tomorrow to take part in Cancer Council Queensland’s Walk For Women’s Cancers, to raise funds for much needed research into cancers that affect women.
The family-friendly walk will kick off at Kurrawa Park on Burleigh Road in Broadbeach at 8am and participants are encouraged to dress up in pink attire for the occasion, making them very easy to spot as they walk through Broadbeach.
Cancer Council Queensland said women’s cancers refer to gynaecological, breast and cervical cancers.
Currently one in six women in Queensland are predicted to be diagnosed with gynaecological or breast cancer at some point in their lifetime.
Although that figure might seem high, mortality rates for breast, gynaecological and cervical cancer have actually declined over the past 20 years.
Cancer Council CEO Chris McMillan urged the community to show their support for tomorrow’s walk and for the other Walk For Women’s Cancers fundraisers taking place around Queensland, so much needed research and screening processes could be developed.
“Participation in events like this help fund research for life-saving treatments and support programs to ensure nobody goes on a cancer journey alone,” Ms McMillan said.
“Thanks to advances in treatment options, screening programs and prevention, more Queenslanders are alive today.”
9News reporter Petrina Zaphir OAM is an ambassador for the Gold Coast Walk For Women’s Cancers and is also a two-time melanoma survivor.
Ms Zaphir has been involved with the Cancer Council for more than 15 years, having hosted a number of events over the years in support of the charity.
Definitely no stranger to community service, Ms Zaphir was recently awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her work in the local community.
Ms Zaphir said cancer was something that affected everyone in one way or another, so support was essential.
“I think it’s really important as a community that we show support to the cancer patients and their families, because they face enormous challenges every day,” she said.
It might be hard to recognise Ms Zaphir tomorrow, as she plans to dress from head to toe in pink to show her support for the cause.
She said the event was definitely family friendly, with plenty to offer.
“This is a chance to get together and have a bit of fun,” she said.
Burleigh Heads local Pam Lindores will be walking in tomorrow’s Gold Coast Walk For Women’s Cancers with her team, My Way, which has raised just under $4000.
Ms Lindores said she joined the group in support of her sister-in-law, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer two years ago and who created the team.
The topic of women’s cancers is very close to home for Ms Lindores, who said her mother passed away from cancer eight years ago and said she also had other family members who were affected by cancer.
“You just mention the word cancer and I think everyone’s been touched by it,” she said.
“A chance to raise money is important for everyone.”
David Kolega walked in the Walk For Women’s Cancers event in Bagara, Bundaberg, in support of his wife who was diagnosed with breast cancer in March, as well as for other women affected by cancer.
Mr Kolega said he met another family on the walk who had all been affected by cancer.
“Cancer can strike anyone at any time,” he said.
Mr Kolega is listed on the Cancer Council’s website as one of the top fundraisers for the event in Queensland, having raised $1658.
He said all he did was send a big email out to all of his contacts about the fundraiser and his daughter also put a message out on Facebook.
“You’re lucky to get the support that you do,” he said.
Mr Kolega said his contacts that donated to the cause had “big hearts”.
Walkers at tomorrow’s Gold Coast Walk For Women’s Cancers event have two route options, and can either choose to walk the 3km route or the 6km route.
The walk will be followed by live entertainment and food stalls at Kurrawa Park.
The Gold Coast’s walk is the last of six walks at locations throughout Queensland, with other walks having already taken place in August and early September.
Last minute participants are invited to register for the walk on the day.
For more information about Walk For Women’s Cancers or to registration for the event, visit www.walkforwomen.org.au.