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February 2025
WORLD CANCER DAY – ‘UNITED BY UNIQUE’
World Cancer Day is marked on 4 February each year, to raise awareness about cancer prevention, detection and treatment. This year’s theme ‘United by Unique’ places people at the centre of care and acknowledges that behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story.
Each of our Community Ambassadors have a unique story that they bravely share to not only raise awareness of breast cancer but to help raise vital funds for breast cancer research. Just like our dedicated donors, our Community Ambassadors drive progress towards a future with Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
Our Community Ambassador, Amy, was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in January 2024.
Amy recalls the first few weeks between diagnosis and starting treatment were the scariest of her life. She went from knowing very little about breast cancer to learning about the various stages, grades, subtypes and treatment options. Treatments that would not be available today if it wasn’t for supporters that help fund critical breast cancer research.
“I feel somewhat lucky to have been diagnosed at a time when we know much more about breast cancer than we did just a few years ago. New trials and treatments are emerging all the time, thanks to ongoing research,” said Amy.
This progress is only possible because of the unwavering support from people like you.
No two experiences with breast cancer are the same. Everyone has a unique perspective whether they have lived experience or know someone with breast cancer. We are always inspired by the stories of people within the breast cancer community to continue to help make a difference, but we couldn’t do what we do without you. Thank you for helping us fund life-saving breast cancer research.
MEET DAVID, A 58 SQUAT CHALLENGE CHAMPION!
David’s wife, Sue, sadly passed away in 2022 after her breast cancer metastasised. Determined to honour Sue and her journey, David shared that throughout her breast cancer journey, she remained stoic and fiercely independent. She never stopped caring for their two boys and showering them with unimaginable love.
Inspired by Sue's strength, last year David took on our 58 Squat Challenge. He found that squatting and encouraging others to join him was the perfect way to spread awareness and raise funds. David completed over 3,000 squats throughout March and raised an incredible amount of money and awareness for breast cancer research.
"Over the course of the month, I squatted with over 40 people, most of whom I hadn't met before. I think most of them came away with a better understanding of the challenges we face. My street is no stranger to breast cancer. Within a 20-house radius, there have been five people, including one man, diagnosed with this dreaded disease. Stay strong, keep raising awareness and funding for breast cancer research, and always keep checking your breasts," said David.
Join David and many others in the 58 Squat Challenge to honour the 58 people in Australia diagnosed with breast cancer each day. Together, we can make a difference and work towards a future with Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
Learn more here: https://fundraise.nbcf.org.au/event/58-squat-challenge
CELEBRATING LOVE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY!
In the lead up to Valentine’s Day, our Community Ambassadors shared messages of appreciation for their significant others who have been by their side through the most difficult of times. We are immensely grateful to our generous supporters who help enable critical breast cancer research to better prevent, detect, stop and treat breast cancer for people like our Community Ambassadors.
"To my husband, Riaad. I am beyond grateful for your unwavering support through the most challenging time of our lives. When breast cancer entered our world, it wasn’t just my journey—it was ours. You stood by my side with love, laughter, and an unshakable belief that we would overcome this. Your positivity, faith, and strength gave me hope when mine was low. Our love has deepened, and our appreciation for each other and our family has grown in ways I never imagined. We’ve learned that life is too fragile to sweat the small stuff—though, just so we’re clear, this is not an excuse to avoid unloading the dishwasher." – Zayaan, diagnosed in 2022
"In 2024, a year after my breast cancer diagnosis, I met the love of my life, who has been the most amazing support person. I feel so lucky to have him in our lives. In early December 2024, I had a biopsy for two new lumps found by the hospital close to my armpit. I received the best Christmas present ever when I learned they were benign. I am currently in the process of finding a suitable surgeon for a preventative double mastectomy. Breast cancer will never define me. With the support of my partner, I will keep fighting and enjoying every moment in life every day." – Amanda, diagnosed in 2023
"Trevor, no words will ever be able to describe how much I fully appreciate you. I thank you for not only being an amazing husband and dad during one of the most challenging times in our life but for being my absolute hero. I say you have been challenged more than me in the past 18 months, but you have faced it all with such bravery. I love you so much." – Isla, diagnosed in 2023
Your support allows us to fund life-saving research so people like Zayaan, Amanda and Isla can have hope for a future with Zero Deaths from breast cancer. These stories highlight the incredible resilience and love within our community and remind us why funding breast cancer research is so important – to continue to drive progress and bring hope. Thank you!
A TOUCHING TRIBUTE
Joan was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1988 after becoming a widow at the age of just 43. She endured two operations in two days because diagnostic tools were not as developed at the time. She was then cancer free for six years before receiving a colon cancer diagnosis.
After treatment, Joan went on to live a very long life in remission. She passed away from dementia 35 years after her breast cancer diagnosis with her daughters by her side.
To honour their mother, Joan’s daughters Julie, Natalie and Annette chose to support NBCF with donation envelopes in lieu of flowers at her funeral.
If you would like to honour the memory of a loved one and support life-changing breast cancer research, read about the NBCF Tribute Tree here.
