30/04/2024
This year, the poignant message behind a national campaign shines a spotlight on the many different types of support required for each Australian with a breast cancer diagnosis. The Bakers Delight Pink Bun campaign tells three unique personal stories from Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) members, who each speak to their lived experience.
The faces of this year's campaign – Kansas, Sam, and Jill – arrived from different parts of the country to share and shine a light on how BCNA and its staff have supported each of them through their respective breast cancer experiences.
Kansas, who was diagnosed at just 24 years of age, drove up from rural Victoria to take part. It was BCNA’s Pink Lady Match that reminded her to book in with her GP to get a lump checked. “In 2021, I had done a self-check and found a small lump in my upper left breast but had then gotten busy and just put it off – I thought that at 24 it couldn't be major,” Kansas said. “BCNA had the Pink Lady Match and hearing the stories of other people affected by breast cancer prompted me to get that lump checked.”
Following the resulting breast cancer diagnosis Kansas relied on BCNA’s online resources including the My Journey app to keep track of symptoms and prepare for medical appointments.
Sam contacted our free Helpline to share a very confronting experience when she went through airport screening with a breast prosthesis. BCNA subsequently advocated on her behalf for better training of airport staff in these circumstances, allowing Sam’s experience to help inform BCNA’s advocacy for change.
“They allowed me to have a voice when I didn't know where to turn,” Sam said. “We all deserve to feel that support and that love that BCNA provide.”
Jill from Perth was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in her early 50s, meaning her cancer is treatable but life limiting. “You get the incurable part before you get the treatable part,” Jill said of her diagnosis. “It's confronting, and scary, and sad, because you feel like, ‘am I going to see my children get married and have children of their own?’.
Jill is benefitting from BCNA’s advocacy work, as her medication is now subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). BCNA advocated to the government for this drug to be listed.
“For many, BCNA is that beacon in a very dark time, and a big part of what we do is around awareness, connection and bringing people together,” said BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti. “During Pink Bun we see a very small bun make a very big difference for so many people, and with 100% of sales donated directly to BCNA we can genuinely affect change.”
BCNA and Bakers Delight have partnered for 24-years now, with Bakers Delight raising over $25 million for BCNA in that time. “The generosity of Bakers Delight year-after-year is overwhelming,” said Ms Pilatti. “Without their support, and that of their community, BCNA would not be here to provide the information and support Australians need as they navigate their breast cancer journey.
“The partnership between BCNA and Bakers Delight provides an excellent example of what business and charity can achieve together,” said Ms Pilatti. “That ongoing support and partnership is something that we don’t take for granted.”
Bakers Delight Joint CEO, Elise Gillespie said the Pink Bun campaign was something she and franchisees around the country looked forward to each year. “This campaign wouldn’t be a success without the generosity and enthusiasm of our franchisees and it’s incredible to see our bakeries turn pink for this special campaign. This year’s campaign theme really focusses on helping BCNA support every Australian affected by breast cancer, so we would encourage customers across Australia to come into their local bakery not only to buy Fun Buns, but to share their own personal stories and connection with breast cancer. It really reinforces why we do this campaign and what it means to our franchisees and local community members.”
Kansas said the Pink Bun campaign is special for people diagnosed with breast cancer. “I'm very grateful for Pink Bun, because without that, I don't know if my outcome would be the same today,” said Kansas. “This May, get a round of Fun Buns at Bakers Delight to get around BCNA and all those affected by breast cancer.”
So, how can you support this year’s campaign?
With 100% of Fun Bun sales going to BCNA, it’s easy to show your support for our organisation and for those in your community affected by breast cancer. Simply purchase a 6 pack of Fun Buns from your local Bakers Delight May 9 - 29 and take them home to enjoy!
You can also sign-up for a Pink Bun Party. Get your friends, workmates, or family together and pink your way throughout May, with registrations open at pinkbunparties.com
“Our hope at BCNA is that you’ll get around the Bakers Delight Pink Bun campaign in the same way we get around our network and those we serve,” said BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti.
About us:
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is the peak national organisation for Australians affected by breast cancer, and consists of a network of more than 175,000 individual members. BCNA supports, informs, represents and connects Australians affected by breast cancer and works to ensure that all Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very best care, treatment and support appropriate to their individual needs.
Contact details:
Rachael Stewart
Media and Communications Manager
03 9805 2540
