Frannie's Day for the McGrath Foundation

Pink is the colour of care

I created Frannie's Day after losing my Mum, Fran, to breast cancer. 

In early 2000, Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

A mastectomy, Chemo and radio treatments later, she was given the all clear. Unfortunately in late 2001, we received the news that the cancer had returned. It had spread at such a rate, undetected, ending up as an in operable tumor at the base of her brain. 3 months later, on January 16th, 2002, we lost Mum. 

Fran was 53 years old.

Mum was strong, but seeing her battle this horrible disease was heartbreaking. It exhausted her, both physically and mentally. But cancer doesnt just impact those diagnosed. My Dad, without hesitation, took early retirement from the NSW Police Force to care for her at home. In that respect, Mum was lucky. She had the support of Dad and I, but it made me think.....what happens to the thousands of women (and men, because breast cancer doesnt discriminate), that are diagnosed and don't have that family support base. Knowing that so many would have to fight this disease alone was unacceptable. 

Enter the McGrath Foundation and their breast care nurses. 

A shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen and a hand to hold for those fighting this disease. The Mcgrath nurses are an absolute Godsend. They are there every step of the way, from diagnosis, through the treatment process and into recovery. This was my cause. 

Frannie's Day was established and registered with the McGrath Foundation in 2010. Now, 16 years later and having raised over $76,000 (by dressing up in crazy pink costumes on a bowling green or testing our trivia at our Knowledge For Knockers events), my goal is to raise enough to fund a nurse in my Mums name. We have a long way to go, but we WILL get there. 

The McGrath Foundation has now opened up care to all cancers. A truly remarkable thing to happen. My driving force will always be to fundraise in my Mums name, for those fighting breast cancer, but now, I can also help support those diagnosed with all forms of cancer. Because no one deserves to fight this alone. 

I appreciate all the support Frannie's Day has had over the last 16 years. Not only are we helping others, we are keeping Fran's spirit alive. For that, I am forever grateful.

 Thank you so much.

Kel xx