Local women in South Australia’s Barossa area undergoing treatment for breast cancer can now access a new and unique service courtesy of seeding grant funding from the Polo Ralph Lauren Pink Pony
Campaign. This campaign is an international initiative that aims to address disparities in care for
women with breast cancer.
The National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre administers the program within Australia.
The funding aims to improve community based support for women with breast cancer, in particular those living in rural, regional and remote Australia.
A $10,000 grant awarded to the Barossa Area Fundraisers for Cancer Inc will allow Barossa Council to expand its successful Home Assist program, making the service available to women undergoing breast cancer treatment.
“We are thrilled to receive funding to provide local women with breast cancer access to the Breast Cancer Home Assist Program in our community,” said Barossa Area Fundraisers for Cancer Inc, Chairperson Don Piro.
“Undergoing treatment for breast cancer can be a difficult time, particularly for women in rural areas such as Barossa, Kapunda and Eudunda, who may not have family and friends close by.
“Under the program, women will be offered up to two hours of assistance each week, with household duties such as washing, general cleaning and minor repairs.”
General Manager of the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre, Associate Professor Christine Giles, said women with breast cancer face a range of emotional, psychological, physical and practical challenges, which can be compounded by their rural or regional location.
“The Breast Cancer Home Assist Program in the Barossa region will provide local women with invaluable support during cancer treatment so they can concentrate on their treatment and recovery,” she said.
Barossa Council Community Assist Coordinator, Elly Milne, said Council is very pleased to be able to support the community in this way.
“When individuals and their families are going through tough times emotionally, practical assistance around the home can be a lifeline,” she said.
“We applaud the organisations that have made this $10,000 grant available – it really will make a tremendous difference in the lives of women with breast cancer and their families.”
For more information on breast cancer and the Polo Ralph Lauren Pink PonyCampaign visit
www.nbocc.org.au/pinkpony
