Rosemarie Kirby hopes to inspire the community to follow in her steps and take part in the annual Mother’s Day Classic at Woodgate and raise support for women who fight breast cancer.
For 25 years the Mother's Day Classic has been an inspiring, community-driven tradition where thousands of Australian walk to show support to find a cure for breast cancer.
As a breast cancer survivor Rosemarie said it’s the first time she has stepped up to organise a community event like this and she was proud to hold the Mother’s Day Classic in her hometown.
Rosemarie said after walking in the shoes of a woman diagnosed with breast cancer she hopes others will follow in her steps to help find a cure.
“I was diagnosed in August 2021, at the time I lived in Emerald, Central Queensland, and (I) had a mammogram done on the bus that came to town,” Rosemarie said.
“I had a lumpectomy followed by six rounds of chemotherapy and 20 rounds of radiation.
“Breast cancer research is very important for future generations.”
Every year, thousands of Australians come together on Mother’s Day to get active for breast cancer research.
The mother-of-two said although she finished treatment last year, she continued to take medication to help prevent the return of the cancer.
Over the past 25 years, the Mother's Day Classic community has raised $41.45 million for life-saving breast cancer research.
Locally, Rosemarie said the Mother’s Day Classic this year would involve a 5 km walk at Woodgate, leaving from the front of the community park.
She said it was open to the whole community and the aim was to raise a combined $5000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
“Participants will register online as an individual or group, arrive on the day prior to 7.30 am start, walking 2.5 km towards the boat ramp and returning to the starting point to make 5 km,” she said.
“Last year I participated in Mackay and our team raised over $2000.
“I would love to get 100 participants.
“Participants register and raise the money so (I) would love to see at least $5000 raised across the participants.”
To register for the Mother’s Day Classic at Woodgate and help Rosemarie reach the goal of raising $5000 for breast cancer research click here.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation
- 1 in 7 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
- About 1 in 600 men are diagnosed in their lifetime.
- Around 1000 young women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, equivalent to about three young women each day.
Mother’s Day Classic
Where: Woodgate Community Park, Cnr Seventh Avenue and The Esplanade, Woodgate Beach
When: 7.30 am on Sunday 14 May
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