44 EXISTING GOVERNMENT-FUNDED MCGRATH BREAST CARE NURSE POSITIONS SECURED NATIONALLY AND ANOTHER 10 FULL-TIME EQUIVELANT POSITIONS TO BE PLACED
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: The McGrath Foundation welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement today of a $18.5m grant to continue funding 44 existing Government-funded McGrath Breast Care Nurses nationally as well as the placement of up to an additional 10 full-time equivalent McGrath Breast Care Nurse positions.
The news today coincides with Jane McGrath Day, Day 3 of the iconic Vodafone Pink Test in Sydney, to commemorate McGrath Foundation Co-Founder, the late Jane McGrath, who was integral to the Foundation receiving the original $12m grant from the Federal Government.
McGrath Foundation CEO, Kylea Tink, believes the Federal Government’s announcement today is vital to helping the McGrath Foundation continue to make a real difference to the lives of Australian families experiencing breast cancer nationally.
‘We’re delighted by the Prime Minister’s announcement today to continue to fund the existing Government-funded McGrath Breast Care Nurse positions as well as adding up to 10 new full-time equivalent positions to our McGrath Breast Care Nurse network.
‘While we’re incredibly grateful for the Federal Government’s support, we know there is still more work to do as we believe we need 150 McGrath Breast Care Nurses to see our vision of a breast care nurse for every Australian family experiencing breast cancer, no matter where they live or their financial situation – only then will these families have access to optimal care,’ said Kylea.
Breast care nurses are specially trained nurses who act as patient advocates, coordinating care for women with breast cancer, their family and carers. In doing so, they work to ensure physical, psychological and basic support needs are met. To date, the 79 McGrath Breast Care Nurses nationally have helped support more than 17,800 Australian families through a breast cancer experience.
McGrath Foundation Chairman and Co-Founder, Glenn McGrath, believes today’s announcement highlights the Federal Government’s recognition that the support breast care nurses provide is so crucial to those going through a breast cancer experience and is thankful for the continued funding.
‘The team at the McGrath Foundation have worked tirelessly over the past four years to maximise every fundraising opportunity to get us to where we are today, but we know there is much more work to do and the team won’t rest until we’ve seen our vision of a breast care nurse for every Australian family experiencing breast cancer.
‘But we can’t do that without the continued support of the Australian public and our generous Corporate, Community and Government Friends ‘ as we say at the McGrath Foundation, together we can make a difference and the Foundation looks forward to working with the Australian community to see our vision become a reality in the years to come,’ said Glenn.
There are plenty of ways to show your support for the McGrath Foundation ‘ to donate or find out how you can make a difference, please visit www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au.
Donate online before 11:59pm Monday 7 January 2013 and you will go into the draw to win a travel and accommodation package for two people to attend the Allan Border Medal in February or to win a signed player’s shirt worn on Day 1 of the Vodafone Pink Test.
