Hills men (back, from left) Glen Barkway, David Creek, Ian Smith, Alan Fincher, and Darren Rutherford, and (front) Ray Yates, Graham By Tania Martin
FOR Sherree Creek, raising breast cancer awareness is something very close to her heart.
She watched both her mother and sister battle breast cancer and is calling on hills people to help raise awareness of the disease.
Mrs Creek is hosting a Pink Ribbon brunch next week and is inviting all women to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while raising money for a cure.
This comes as women across the country are being urged to host a breakfast during October as part of the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s annual fundraiser.
The aim of the fundraiser is to not only raise money for cancer research but to also increase awareness of the importance of finding a cure.
Since its inception in 2003, more than 7500 volunteers have hosted breakfasts around Australia and raised more than $4 million.
Mrs Creek has been taking part in the Pink Ribbon Breakfast for the past two years and has raised more than $3000 for breast cancer.
But this year she has decided to host a brunch with market stalls and T-shirts and pens for sale.
Mrs Creek said it was when her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago that she decided to get involved with the Pink Ribbon Breakfast program.
“My family has a long history of breast cancer – my mother, sister, aunty and cousin have all had it,” she said.
“It’s a cause that is very close to my heart.”
Mrs Creek said the first time she held a breakfast, she was struck by how many other people in the community had known someone with breast cancer or had survived it.
“It’s amazing how we can all come together and share our stories of survival,” she said.
“So many people are going through the same thing and it’s great to see people sharing their stories and supporting each other.”
Mrs Creek said it was important to raise awareness of breast cancer and of how important it was for women to remain vigilant in being tested for the disease.
Mrs Creek’s Pink Ribbon brunch will be held on Saturday 20 October from 10am to 2pm at Monbulk Primary School, on the corner of Main Street and Moores Road.
People can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, some cakes or savoury snacks, a sausage sizzle or pancakes.
Mrs Creek said she hoped to raise more than $3000 from the brunch to help find a cure for the disease that has been so prevalent in her family.
