While the meaning behind the fundraiser was sombre, the event was full of fun as the Paterson community came together on Sunday to raise thousands for breast cancer.
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The annual fundraiser in Paterson’s picturesque Tucker Park was started eight years ago by Del-Marie Brown and Debbie White and has raised more than $78,000 for cancer research.
While the exact amount of money raised won’t be known for a few days, Debbie White said it was a great day.
“More than 450 breakfasts were sold and there were people coming and going all day,” she said.
“It was a great day and the weather was perfect.”
Two special women who have been supporting the event for many years were Debbie’s daughter Bianca Griffiths and friend Margaret Bystersky.
Bianca was playing with her daughter in 2005 when she fell on top of her.
“I immediately felt pain in my breast and then felt a lump,” said the now 34-year-old.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer and then went thought all the treatment.
“I’ve since had two other children so I think I am very lucky.
“Having breast cancer has made me more conscious of young women being aware of changes in their breasts and I would like to see the age for mammograms lowered.
“There was no history of breast cancer in my family, it was just something that happened.”
Margaret Bystersky was already having routine mammograms when she was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago.
“My mother, sister and a few aunties have all died from breast cancer so I was very vigilant,” she said.
“But it is still a shock when you are diagnosed.
“I had the full treatment – chemotherapy and radiation – which is all now finished.
“The support I received from the McGrath Foundation was fantastic and hopefully, in another 12 months, I will be in remission.”
Margaret has been a volunteer with the Paterson Rural Fire Service since 1990 and said the breast cancer fundraiser at Paterson was “her baby”.