When Place Graceville Director, Viviana Eaton was unexpectedly diagnosed with Breast Cancer, the team decided to come together and raise much needed funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Australia, a month that provides an opportunity for the greater community to focus on the impact the disease has on everyone. Breast Cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women1 and though survival rates are on the rise, there’s still more that can be done, and it all starts with donating.
Viviana or Viv, as Placed know her, is a highly valued member of the company as well as her local community. The support she has received since her diagnosis has been truly special to see; a testament to the amount of lives she has touched.
Viv says, that there were no sign of lumps or shadows in her mammogram two years ago and no history of breast cancer in her immediate family. “The mammogram I had this year had a shadow, which turned out to be an invasive 17mm mass. The diagnosis showed how important it was for all women to have regular check-ups.”
The Pink Breakfast saw 50 women, in a sea of pink, come together at Arte & Gusto in Graceville, a local favourite. The aim was to encourage women to openly discuss the issue and a reminder, to have their breasts screened early.
Staff did an incredible job at decorating the venue in pink with custom made cupcakes, balloons and table settings. Karen Simmons, a Lead Agent from Place Graceville, made a fantastic MC, keeping everyone entertained. Guests were treated to a delicious sit-down breakfast whilst an Oncology Nurse shared her experiences working alongside Breast Cancer patients and what lessons can be learnt from that. The morning concluded with an Auction of items donated by local residents and businesses, raising much - needed money for the cause.
Office Manager, Chantelle Crust said they have all been completely overwhelmed with the response the event received. “The 50 tickets sold out in a couple of days and raised over $5,500, going directly towards research. Viv absolutely loved seeing everyone dressed up in her favourite colour – pink – and enjoying the morning.” The entire team are proud of their efforts in raising funds and awareness to encourage people to get checked.
Viv has undergone surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and is currently in the recovery stages. Despite all this, she counts herself lucky to have “the most amazing support team around her, her family and Place Graceville.”
At Place, we take great pride in supporting various charities and causes throughout the year. This initiative by Place Graceville is just one of the many ways we want to help the lives of the greater community.