FOOTBALL fans are encouraged to help turn the MCG pink on Sunday 7 May in support of all Australians affected by breast cancer.
The annual Pink Lady Match will take place in Round Seven of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season and will see Melbourne Football Club take on traditional rival Hawthorn Football Club in support of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), the national organisation which works to ensure people affected by breast cancer receive the very best support, information, treatment and care.
The Pink Lady Match will include a special pre-match tribute with four breast cancer survivors walking onto the MCG surrounded by their support network of family and friends, signifying that breast cancer impacts more than the individual diagnosed and has a ripple effect on all loved ones around them.
There will also be a smoking ceremony to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and a moment of silence to pay tribute to those we have lost to the disease over the past 12 months.
Outside the MCG there will be a mass planting of Pink Lady silhouettes, with visitors encouraged to write a personal message on a silhouette to show their support for someone who has been diagnosed.
Christine Nolan, BCNA CEO, said the Pink Lady Match is a very special football game where the community can express their support for the more than 17,000 Australian women and men who are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
“Breast cancer doesn’t just impact the individual diagnosed – it has a ripple effect on partners, children, friends and colleagues. The Pink Lady Match is a special opportunity for people to show their support for everyone who has been impacted by this disease,” Christine said.
Simon Goodwin, Coach of Melbourne Football Club – a long-standing partner of BCNA – said most people know someone who has been affected by breast cancer, making it a cause close to the hearts of many.
“Melbourne Football Club has been a partner of Breast Cancer Network Australia for more than 10 years now, and in that time we have heard some very inspiring stories of women, men and their families who have faced breast cancer. It’s a cause that’s really important to our club, our fans and the community – and the Pink Lady Match is a way we can all pay tribute to those who have been impacted,” Simon said.
The Pink Lady Match – proudly supported by BCNA’s major event partner Red Energy – raises much needed funds and awareness for BCNA and all proceeds from tickets sold are donated to BCNA to continue its work supporting all Australians affected by breast cancer.
General admission tickets for the Pink Lady Match are available for $25 from bit.ly/PinkLadyMatch2017
An Exquisite High Tea hosted by Channel 7 meteorologist Jane Bunn and Olympian and breast cancer survivor Raelene Boyle will take place in the Harrison Room overlooking the MCG to raise money for BCNA. Guests will be treated to an artfully designed high tea while watching the game, all in support of Australians affected by breast cancer. The Exquisite High Tea is supported by major event partner Red Energy. Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/PLMhightea.
