According to Breastcancer.org “one in eight Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer”. Chances are this terrible disease will affect you or someone close to you in your lifetime, either directly or indirectly. And although survival rates have increased amazingly along with quality of life, care and treatment there is still a long road ahead before a cure can be found. There is no better way to contribute to the effort than to put your hand up for the vital fundraising events in your local community.

The Triathlon Pink and Fun Run Pink events are returning to the Sunshine Coast this November 30^th in it’s continued effort to raise money and awareness of breast cancer research and treatment efforts. And while the triathlon is limited to women and children (between the ages of 7 and 16) the Fun Run is open to any and all willing to volunteer their efforts to participate in this charity event.

The Triathlon itself has five categories for its participants, catering to almost any fitness and dedication levels. The Ultra bracket is designed for more seasoned charity event tri-athletes, being made up of a six hundred-meter swim course, sixteen-kilometre bike ride and a six-kilometre run. For those not quite so keen there is a long, medium and short course bracket of three hundred-meter, two hundred-meter and one hundred-meter swims, eight-kilometre, six-kilometre and four-kilometre bike rides before culminating in a three, two or one kilometre long run.

For the eager youngsters there are three age brackets dictating their level of commitment. The seven to nine year olds will complete a fifty-metre swim, a two-kilometre ride and a five-hundred metre run, the ten to thirteen year olds will swim one-hundred meters, ride for four-kilometres and finish off with a kilometre long run to the finish. Finally for the fourteen to sixteen year olds will complete the same course as those in the medium sized course event.

The fun run on the other hand has just three distance brackets for its uni-sex participants of all ages to compete over. The five-kilometre course is open to all ages, as is the two and a half-kilometre course, the one-kilometre course being restricted to just the younger competitors. All courses cover the same course as the bike ride of the Triathlon event, with different turning points depending on run size. The Hot-dog shaped course will have two turning points at each end, with a separate turning point for the kiddie event. Those competing in the five-kilometre run will have to complete two laps, while those in the two and a half-kilometre distance need only complete one.

Supported by this event are four different foundations and organisations; the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), the McGrath Foundation and finally the Mater Chicks in Pink. Each has their own and equally vital role to play in the treatment, care of and awareness raising for victims of breast cancer.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation is committed to raising funds and awareness for the research into the prevention and cure of breast cancer. “When the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) was founded in 1994, 30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer passed away. In less than 20 years, this figure has halved. NBCF believes this achievement is primarily due to research – the most effective way to improve the prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer. Although progress is being made, there is still a long way to go. A continued and concerted research effort is vital for improving the quality of life for those living with breast cancer, as well as moving towards breast cancer prevention and cure”. The NBCF since it’s inception has raised and awarded over one hundred and five millions dollars, supporting some 370 individual research projects from around Australia. For more information about NBCF checkout their website.

“Breast Cancer Network Australia works to ensure that affected by breast cancer receive the very best support, information, treatment and care appropriate to their individual needs. BCNA consists of a network of more than 90,000 individual and 300 Member Groups. We are represented by the Pink Lady silhouette, symbolic of our focus on the women diagnosed with breast cancer and all those around her. To learn more about BCNA click here.

The McGrath Foundation raises money to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia, as well as increasing breast awareness in young women. With the help of the community, the McGrath Foundation has already helped support over 25,000 families experiencing breast cancer in Australia, ensuring their physical, psychological and basic support needs are met. To find out more about the McGrath Foundation and how you can help make a difference, please visit their website.

The Mater chicks in Pink. “As the daughters, granddaughters, sisters, nieces, friends and supporters of women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, Mater chicks in pink was formed to provide tangible and immediate benefits to women with breast cancer cared for at Mater. Today, Mater chicks in pink supports Mater Private Hospital Brisbane, Mater Private Hospital Redland, Mater Adult Hospital and Mater Medical Research Institute.” For more information on the Mater Chicks in Pink click here.