Greater Bank’s Hamilton head office building will turn pink during October to show its support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and also celebrate Greater Charitable Foundation’s support of the McGrath Foundation.
Located on the corner of Tudor and Beaumont Streets, the building will be lit up each night to shine a light on breast cancer and its impact on those affected by the disease in our community.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among Australian women. Survival rates continue to improve in Australia with 89 out of every 100 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer now surviving five or more years beyond diagnosis.
Greater Charitable Foundation has supported the McGrath Foundation since 2016, providing almost $400,000 to fund a dedicated McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Helen Moore, who provides individualised care and support to people with breast cancer and their families across the Hunter region.
As a registered nurse of almost 30 years, Helen is dedicated to making a difference to the lives of those living with a cancer diagnosis. As part of her role, she helps coordinate patient’s medical care, accompanying them to appointments to ensure they can answer questions and reiterate treatment options at what can be an overwhelming time.
“Thanks to the support of partners such as Greater Charitable Foundation, I am privileged to have been able to support hundreds of people with breast cancer,” Helen said.
“One in seven women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. These stats are already alarming and continue growing.
“This increase in the prevalence of the disease and the fact that patients are living longer means there’s an ongoing and increasing need for McGrath Breast Care Nurses to provide information, care and support.”
One Hunter-based patient who has benefitted from Helen’s support is Jane Starr.
“Nothing and no-one prepares you for a breast cancer diagnosis. It’s a really challenging time. But the moment I met Helen, my McGrath Breast Care Nurse at Calvary Mater hospital, so many of my concerns and worries were eased,” Jane said.
“She changed my feelings about cancer and made it into a more manageable experience – from my surgery and chemotherapy to recovery. Although breast cancer changes your life and it’s been a really long road, I feel really lucky to have had Helen’s support.”
Greater Charitable Foundation CEO, Anne Long, said they were proud to support the McGrath Foundation by helping to provide such an invaluable resource for the region.
“Greater Charitable Foundation has a strong and proud tradition of partnering with organisations such as the McGrath Foundation that provide practical, life-changing initiatives such as the McGrath Foundation that directly support families and communities,” Ms Long said.
“We are extremely proud of our support of the McGrath Foundation and have seen first-hand the incredible work Helen has done in the region and the positive impacts this has had on the lives of those going through breast cancer treatment.
Anyone experiencing breast cancer in the Hunter New England region is encouraged to reach out to the McGrath Breast Care Nurses in Newcastle at www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au
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