About Us
Who we are
The Breast Cancer Foundation of Western Australia Inc aims to be a light of inspiration and hope to all affected by breast cancer through support, education and awareness.
Founded in 2000 by Ros Worthington OAM, the Foundation aimed to improve the quality of life for women living with breast cancer. In just 7 years the growth of the Foundation now sees it broadening services to support men, families and the Indigenous community. The Foundation also raises awareness throughout the Western Australian community and educates the younger generations on the importance of early detection.
Since its inception the Foundation has provided practical, financial and emotional support to hundreds of Western Australian women, men and their families who have been faced with the challenges of life following the diagnosis of breast cancer. Offering support with everything from installing remote control garage doors, providing transport, purchasing new beds, providing respite by way of a family holiday and financial assistance with breast cancer treatments to just being a friendly shoulder in times of need.
The Breast Cancer Foundation of WA Inc receives no recurrent government funding and relies solely on the generosity of the Western Australian community to continue its vital grass-roots work. Sponsorships, memberships and donations are the life source of the assistance we provide to those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are in need of basic support and care.
With a strong understanding of the needs of Western Australians living with breast cancer, community support groups have been established to allow women, men and their families to openly discuss their feelings and share information with fellow Survivors. These support groups cater for various sections of the community including a young women’s support group “The Young and the Breastless”, a support group for “Sons and Daughters” of those affected by breast cancer and many other general support groups who meet regularly throughout Perth.
The Foundation not only provides support and care, it also aims to promote breast cancer awareness throughout the community. The annual fundraising campaign, Purple Bra Day, raises awareness in a light-hearted manner which sees men and women wearing purple bras on top of their work clothes for a day in order to show that they are breast aware. This campaign not only draws increased attention but raises awareness on a global scale, going as far as Ireland, the UK and Zambia in 2006.
Education is another major facet of the work of the Breast Cancer Foundation of WA Inc with a new High School Education Package being designed. This Education Package will aim to spread the message that breast cancer does not discriminate against age or race and that early detection saves lives.
Heading regional, the Foundation also concentrates on providing support and teaching awareness throughout the Indigenous community, holding forums for Indigenous women throughout the Kimberley, Wheatbelt and Pilbara regions and providing breast awareness training to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers.