Breast Cancer Network Australia’s (BCNA) much-loved Field of Women event will return to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday 20 August, before the Round 23 AFL Pink Lady Match between Melbourne and Hawthorn.
More than 10,000 people will don pink ponchos and walk onto the hallowed turf of the MCG to form the iconic Pink Lady standing as one in support of all Australians affected by breast cancer.
‘It’s been five years since the last Field of Women, and we can’t wait to stand together again. The community we have built is more than 175,000 strong and they will come, united in support of those have been diagnosed with breast cancer, those living with the disease and those we have sadly lost,’ says Kirsten Pilatti, BCNA CEO.
The first Field of Women was held in 2005 and launched cause related events tied to an AFL match. BCNA were innovators in harnessing the exposure this provided and has paved the way for other charity organisations to leverage the opportunity.
Traditionally held every four years, the 2022 event was delayed due to COVID, but we are thrilled to be back this year.
The Field of Women is a unique experience that allows a community to gather in the middle of the MCG and brings the stark statistics of breast cancer to life in a meaningful and visually powerful way. This year alone over 20,000 people will be diagnosed, 3000 will die. Among the sea of pink ponchos will be a cluster of blue to represent the 200 men diagnosed each year too.
Lyn Swinburne AO, BCNA Founder, says the very first Field of Women was a demonstration of sisterhood.
‘It really highlighted the strength that women give to other women just by looking at each other, making eye contact and recognising there's a shared experience, even though we're all different.
‘It’s incredibly powerful to stand together alongside others and whilst acknowledging those who haven’t made it, say, “I’m grateful to be alive and able to stand here and celebrate the strength of women, the strength of a sisterhood and a network of support”.’
Ms Pilatti says words fail to describe the feeling of so many emotions as thousands of people stand together to form the Pink Lady.
‘It’s an incredibly poignant moment of reflection when, no matter who you are or how long it’s been since your experience of breast cancer, you stand shoulder to shoulder for every person that has been affected by breast cancer. It includes women, men, children, friends, and families too because the ripple effect of a diagnosis is far reaching. It’s a very uniting moment that sends a really strong message, “you are not alone”.’
The AFL match will be broadcast on Channel 7, with a special pre-match show featuring highlights from the Field of Women ceremony. Those at home are invited to participate by buying a place in BCNA’s virtual Pink Lady and leaving a message of support.
This sixth staging of the Field of Women will also acknowledge BCNA’s 25th anniversary.
‘It’s a time for us to thank those who have supported us over the last 25 years and highlight the key moments that have defined our network as we have grown into an organisation that now also represents men and people from LGBTIQ+ communities. We celebrate our strength in providing the very best information, support, connection and advocacy but we still have much to do,’ says Ms Pilatti.
BCNA is proud to team up with its Major Partners, Bakers Delight and Red Energy, to bring you this fantastic event. It would also not be possible without the Melbourne Football Club and Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Thanks to all these incredible partners, 100 per cent of Field of Women ticket sales and virtual donations will go to BCNA to continue to support people affected by breast cancer.
About us:
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is Australia’s leading breast cancer consumer organisation. BCNA provides information and support to those diagnosed and their supporters, opportunities to connect with others going through a similar situation and work to influence a stronger healthcare system to ensure all Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very best care, treatment and support.
Contact details:
Kellie Curtain | 0412 339 690 | kcurtain@bcna.org.au
