Announces commitment to fund 250 McGrath Breast Care Nurses by 2025, aiming to ensure no one goes through breast cancer without care.
McGrath Foundation is marking International Nurses Day by unveiling a powerful mural, to honour the 185 McGrath Breast Care Nurses caring for families impacted by breast cancer across Australia – and is announcing its commitment to increase that number to 250 by 2025.
The inspiring work in North Sydney depicts McGrath Breast Care Nurse Joylene Fletcher and her 26-year-old patient Emily Quinlan. In capturing Joylene and Emily, the mural represents the more than 20,000 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer each year, the 185 McGrath Breast Care Nurses caring for them today, and the 65 more required to reach the Foundation’s goal by 2025.
The striking mural was designed and painted by acclaimed Australian visual artist Sarah McCloskey, known for her engaging portraits of women that aim to capture both their vulnerability and strength.
Artist Sarah McCloskey said, “As a portrait artist, I’m especially interested in exploring emotion, connection, and personal stories in my work. When I teamed up with the McGrath Foundation for this opportunity, I was able to witness the strength of the connection between the amazing McGrath Breast Care Nurses and the incredible people they care for. The chance to capture that through my art in a large-scale mural has been a real privilege.”
McGrath Foundation President & Co-Founder Glenn McGrath said, “I want to thank all of our incredible McGrath Breast Care Nurses for the huge impact they have on the people they care for every day. I’m so proud to unveil this incredible artwork, in their honour.
“I am so proud to announce today our commitment to fund 250 McGrath Breast Care Nurses by 2025. There is still a way to go before everyone in Australia impacted by breast cancer has a breast care nurse. It is our mission to ensure that no one misses out on care, and this commitment moves us closer to achieving that goal.”
McGrath Breast Care Nurse Joylene Fletcher said, “It’s truly an honour to have our work as McGrath Breast Care Nurses recognised in this beautiful mural and to stand alongside Emily, who has shown maturity beyond her age – her positive outlook and drive makes it clear the love she has for life.”
Through the work of the Foundation, ninety per cent of women in Australia live within 75km of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse,1 with 185 McGrath Breast Care Nurses providing free care and support in communities across Australia.
The commitment to fund 250 McGrath Breast Care Nurses by 2025 – the Foundation’s 20th anniversary – will bring the Foundation closer to its mission of ensuring no one goes through breast cancer without the care of a breast care nurse. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and with 57 people diagnosed in Australia each day, and the rates of diagnosis increasing2, the ongoing need for breast care nurses is clear.
McGrath Breast Care Nurses are at the heart of breast cancer care, offering free physical, psychological and emotional support to over 110,000 families since 2005. From the time of diagnosis, and throughout treatment, they provide expert clinical care, inform, organise, empower and support people with breast cancer, and their families.
Serving as both a tribute to the McGrath Breast Care Nurses and a reminder of the McGrath Foundation’s 2025 goal, Australians are encouraged to get down to The Library Cafe at 240 Miller Street, North Sydney to see the powerful homage or visit www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/250nurses to learn more about the artwork and McGrath Breast Care Nurses.
