The Hedland Well Women’s Centre is gearing up to paint Hedland pink, in support of local women and families who are grappling with cancer in the community.
The annual event has been held for more than 15 years and in recent years, pivoted to support local families facing cancer.
Hearing the words “You have cancer” is a life changing moment, made even more difficult when living in regional Western Australia.
Hedland Well Women’s Centre program coordinator Laura Philpott said cancer is made even more challenging and stressful for families who live in Hedland, as there are very few services.
“Living regionally with cancer is very, very hard,” she said.
“You cannot get chemotherapy in Hedland, you cannot get radiotherapy, you have to go to Perth.
“That’s just one example of if you have cancer, the lack of support you have living regionally, so what we’re trying to do is offer support across a range of areas.”
This year, the funds raised from the Pink Pilbara Breakfast will go straight back to the Hedland Well Women’s Centre, to fund its new physiotherapy program for cancer patients, a service not currently on offer in Hedland.
“She can help with fitting garments, giving people exercises and movements to support them,” Ms Philpott said.
“Often while having cancer treatment or after cancer treatment your body needs to rebuild again and get stronger, so the physiotherapist can help with that.”
The centre also offers a cancer support group and an advocacy support worker, who Ms Philpott said works to take the additional pressure off women and families going through a cancer diagnosis.
“When you get a diagnosis of cancer, the last thing you want to be worrying about is all the logistics,” she said.
“Some people are being told they have to fly to Perth next week, so we help support them and they also have access to our psychologists and counsellors.
“We really help them navigate through the system.”
This year, the Well Women’s Centre is offering sponsorship packages to businesses and locals in Hedland, so they can show their support for local women and families experiencing cancer.
But Ms Philpott said that is not the only way locals can get involved in the Pilbara Pink Breakfast.
Tickets are now on sale and for those who cannot attend the event, the Centre encourages them to throw their own Pink Pilbara fundraiser, like a morning tea or brunch, to raise valuable funds for local people experiencing cancer.
To find out more you can visit https://wellwomens.com.au/programs/pink-pilbara-breakfast/
