Around 10 thousand people will don pink and blue ponchos and gather on the hallowed turf of the MCG this Sunday to form BCNA’s iconic Pink Lady in support of all Australians affected by breast cancer. The sixth Field of Women precedes the Melbourne v Hawthorn Pink Lady match. It’s five years since the last Field of Women, in that time more than 100,000 Australians have been diagnosed with breast cancer, enough to fill the entire MCG. The return of this much-loved event is poignant and emotional for those who have been diagnosed and for their family and friends who have been part of their breast cancer journey. Standing together as one means many things for many people, some are undergoing treatment others are celebrating survival whilst others are standing in memory of loved ones lost. Breast Cancer Network Australia is celebrating 25 years of supporting all Australians affected by breast cancer. BCNA CEO, Kirsten Pilatti, says the organisation is proud of its grassroots history that now has more than 175,000 members and is a powerful voice in advocating for the very best treatment and care. “BCNA has been a leader in consumer-led advocacy in the cancer sector and paved the way for many other consumer advocates and organisations. As a disease with such a prevalent impact on so many people, BCNA has had the ability to galvanise a strong collective voice of people from all walks of life with incredible results to date and more yet to come” Pilatti commented.
Melbourne Football Club has been a long and loyal partner of BCNA since the very first Field of Women, a unique experience that allows a community to gather in the middle of the MCG and brings the stark statistics of breast cancer to life in a meaningful and visually powerful way. Pink Lady Match ambassador and BCNA member Jess Armstrong will be delivering the match ball. The mother of two was diagnosed in April 2023 and will attend her first Field of Women with her husband and mother.
“Since being thrust into the crazy world of cancer and medicine, I am so grateful for the support and all that BCNA has to offer and look forward to standing in solidarity with the many others impacted.” Armstrong commented.
The Field of Women is an all-day family event and commences with a Family Festival outside the MCG from 10.30am, with gate entry opening at 12pm and access to the field from 12.15pm. The AFL match will be broadcast on Channel 7 in Victoria and Sydney and on Fox Footy in other states. Those at home are invited to participate by buying a place in BCNA’s virtual Pink Lady and leaving a message of support. 100 percent of Field of Women ticket sales and virtual donations will go to BCNA to continue to support people affected by breast cancer. Tickets are still available and the event is open to all, you do not have to have had cancer to attend and support all of those who have been affected by it in some way.
