2022 was AKD’s 4th year of turning PINK for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To date we have raised over $380,000 for the McGrath Breast Care Nurses who provide invaluable support and care to women and men experiencing breast cancer from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment.
Over 20,000 women and 170+ men are estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 – that’s 57 people everyday!
A breast cancer diagnosis changes your life, often in ways you wouldn’t expect. From diagnosis right throughout treatment, a McGrath Breast Care Nurses bring you and your family peace of mind through expert knowledge, personal care and genuine compassion. They can help you create time in your life not defined by breast cancer and they are FREE!
AKD took the opportunity to highlight the importance of awareness to our employees’, their families and community of the risks of breast cancer, with starting the conversation about the importance of being breast aware for early detection. “Check Yourself to Protect Yourself”
As an AKD Team we have also, along with a number of contributors to the cause, raised a total of $100,102 for the McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurses. This is a fantastic effort and will go a long way to assisting the foundation to continue to provide the support and services to those in need.
We rolled out new uniforms to all sites, fitting over 1200 employees across the business. The featured message “Check Yourself to Protect Yourself” is AKD taking a step forward and starting the conversation about the importance of being breast aware.
Each site went above and beyond with fundraising efforts this year. There were BBQs, raffles, bake-offs, pancake breakfast, pink cookies, new hair styles and outfits. It took a little bit for some to step out of their comfort zone, but by the end of the month AKD was well and truly awash with PINK!
Portland Pine’s Jaimmii Jackway was approached by Natalie, a lady she frequently see around town and she asked me to share her story:
In 2008 Nat was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went through treatment and was in recovery. Even though she was now free of cancer, she is at risk of it returning. The idea of receiving bad news again had her so scared that she has never gone back for a follow up of any sort. Since then, Nat has become a nurse, yet still no follow up. During the month of October, she had been to Heywood and seen all the pink displays and breast cancer awareness signs, and the staff at her local pub wearing our ‘Check Yourself’ shirts. She said that it was the push she needed. Nat has shared her appreciation of all the hard work we have done to raise awareness as she is now going to have a mammogram.
“To help even one person makes it worth it and I am confident to say that our goals were well and truly achieved, we may have even had fun along the way.” Jaimmii.
Many of us have either been affected personally by breast cancer or know of a work colleague, friend or family member who has been diagnosed, and for this reason, AKD proudly supports the McGrath Foundation each year.
HUGE thank you to everyone throughout AKD for coming together and supporting the message within our teams, families and communities.
20,428 women, and 212 men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia this year.
Early detection of breast cancer gives greater options of effective treatments available.
Approximately 5% of breast cancer diagnosis have inherited a genetic predisposition to the disease from their mother or father.
It’s not just your own life at risk!
Approximately 5% of breast cancer diagnosis have inherited a genetic predisposition to the disease from their mother or father.
Meet Damien, a train driver from Geelong.
“2 years ago, I would have said blokes don’t get breast cancer and didn’t think they could!”
“One day I felt a lump the size of a peanut. I did what all blokes do, I procrastinated another six weeks before making a Doctor’s appointment which confirmed it was breast cancer.”
“I also discovered I carry the gene which I have passed onto my daughter, and she now has a very high chance of getting any form of cancer. I’ve taken this harder than my original diagnosis.”
Part of good breast health understanding means getting to know your breasts. Once you’re familiar with how your breasts look and feel you’ll be able to pick up any changes.
Follow this simple process and remember to repeat each month.
at the shape and appearance of your breasts and nipples in the mirror with your hands by your sides. Raise your arms above your head and have another look.
all of your breasts and nipples, looking for anything that isn’t normal for you. Feel from your collarbone to below the bra-line and under your armpit too.
what is normal for you! Breasts come in all different shapes and sizes.
If you have any questions or concerns contact your local GP or healthcare professional.
We’re all wrapped and strapped up in Pink this month in support of Breast Cancer Awarness Month. Should add a nice bit of colour to our customers yards we think.
Shoutout to our suppliers Pakaflex Pty Ltd and Stap & Wrap for turning us pink. We’re wrapped with how good it looks!