By Renee Wood
Yarra Valley Racecourse was a sea of pink on Saturday 26 February 2022 as racegoers adorned themselves for the Shades of Pink Diamond Raceday in Yarra Glen.
More than $38,000 was raised for local breast cancer services on the day through VIP marquee tickets and race sponsorship from supporting businesses.
It’s the fourth race meet Shades of Pink has held and co-founder Kat Coopersmith said she’s grateful to all who supported the recent event and those held in the past.
“We have been blessed especially over the last two years, because charity and fundraising organisations have been hit hard with Covid and cancelling of events,” Ms Coopersmith said.
Shades of Pink first started in 2017, with committee members Ms Coopersmith, Sarah Pedersen, Sarah Allan and Sam Bishop leading the charge arranging events to raise funds for local breast cancer services.
Ladies luncheons and race days have been held in support of the Eastern Health Foundation for the Eastern Health Maroondah Hospital’s Breast and Cancer Centre.
Ms Coopersmith said they wanted to create events for local people to provide funds for local services.
“We actually sit down with doctors and nurses and see what they need and what the public needs. So we know that 100 per cent of the money raised goes there,” she said.
Over the years Shades of Pink has raised around $360,000, which has gone towards Allied Health Clinician, 3D mammogram machine, 3D Biopsy System table and a portable Ultrasound all for Maroondah Hospital.
Ms Coopersmith said supporting advancing technologies and research are vital in saving lives from breast cancer.
“We were able to fundraise to get the program into the Breast Cancer Centre, so they both have 2d and 3d there, which is great to improve the diagnosis for each person going to get their mammograms.
“We know that our friends that live in there will go to that clinic now and know that we’ve made a small impact over the years for all women and men going into the future.”
The other part of Shades of Pink is continuing to build awareness for women and men to conduct monthly breast checks and book in for regular mammograms which can save lives.
Something close to Ms Coopersmith’s heart while her mum is in remission after being diagnosed in 2012 and sadly losing friends to the disease.
Breast Cancer is something that touches many people, Cancer Australia states there were 17,725 new cases diagnosed in Australia in 2017 and it’s estimated 3,138 Australians (3102 females and 36 males) died from it in 2021.
The pandemic’s also caused concern around missed diagnoses from people putting off those vital doctor visits during lockdowns.
“The accessibility to go to an appointment has been harder for everybody. Some people felt that they couldn’t go and get diagnosed or go get checked.
“I would highly recommend talking to the GP and go get a mammogram if there is history in your family, but also if there are any abnormalities that you’re finding within your body to go and get them checked straightaway.”
The next event the charity is organising will be a luncheon for the middle of the year, while those wanting to support the cause can also provide regular donations through the website.
www.shadesofpink.com.au
