WOMEN IN the Far North will halve the time needed for special breast cancer tests, thanks to hundreds of people walking the Arrows of Mt Whitfield.
The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation will host the MacDonnells Law Arrow Experience on June 20, with funds raised going to buy a new piece of equipment for BreastScreen Queensland (BSQ) Cairns Service.
Foundation CEO Tony Williamson said he was delighted to see the event off the ground again this year, after a challenging year for the whole community.
“The device we’re fundraising for is an $80,000 piece of equipment that will help cut the time women need to visit BreastScreen Queensland for special tests,” Mr Williamson said.
“We have some awesome new sponsors this year in MacDonnells Law, who have been part of our community for 130 years, and Exotica Athletica, who have provided some great fundraising incentives,” he said.
BSQ Cairns Chief Radiographer Deborah Halliwell said she and the team were excited about working with the Foundation to bring a second device fitted with special technology to Cairns.
“We have been using special 3-D digital technology called tomosynethesis to create a more accurate view of breast tissue for those women who need to come back for more diagnostic tests,” Ms Halliwell said.
“We already have one device fitted with the technology, but having a second one means that when we ask women to come back in for further tests, it will significantly reduce the time spent at the clinic,” she said.
“It’s a worrying and stressful time when you’re asked back for more tests, so by helping cut the wait time on the day of testing we’re helping to alleviate some of that stress.” She added that the team was looking forward to supporting the event as part of their support of women in FNQ to be screened for breast cancer.
MacDonnells Law partner and Foundation board member Joanne Parisi said the event was one that resonated with her and her fellow directors.
"This event provides a unique opportunity to bring people in the community together in an idyllic outdoor location and to highlight the important role exercise plays in the wellbeing of the community whilst raising funds to support those persons who are anxiously awaiting results about whether they have breast cancer."
"Our firm has been part of this Cairns community for more than 130 years. Throughout 2020 we were humbled to be part of a community that gave generously of their time and money. They continued to support those local businesses around them and provided overwhelming support to the Foundation in their Covid appeal during a time when no doubt they were having many sleepless nights worrying about their own family, friends, colleagues and businesses."
"I would urge you all to consider participating or donating. MacDonnells Law will be putting in a couple of teams and we will be actively challenging the wider business community to participate in the event and to assist in raising funds for this very worthy cause,” she said.
For more information visit www.arrowexperience.org.au
Photo: BreastScreen Cairns Chief Radiographer Deborah Halliwell, Foundation CEO Tony Williamson and MacDonnells Law partner and Arrow participant Joanne Parisi.
