Staff and residents of an aged care home have thrown their support behind initiatives to raise money for breast cancer research.
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It began when Jaynette Robins, a personal care assistant at Mercy Health Bethlehem Home for the Aged, had an 'ear saver' - a device designed to prevent mask straps rubbing - emblazoned with a pink ribbon, the universal symbol of breast cancer awareness.
The ear saver was made by Mrs Robins' son Jaron Retallick with a 3D printer.
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It was one of various ear savers Mr Retallick had made that were decorated with different designs, including one that read "COVID Sucks".
When Mrs Robins said someone at work also wanted an ear saver with the pink ribbon, it prompted Mr Retallick to print about 50 in total to 'sell' for the cost of a donation towards breast cancer
He also created about 50 keyrings with the logo to raise funds.
Mercy Health Bethlehem staff have also run a number of activities this month to rustle up more donations during October, which marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
These have included dressing up in bright colours, doing their hair in wacky styles, and a special afternoon tea
Mrs Robins said breast cancer was something that a number of residents and staff had personally experienced, but the residents were always supportive of these sorts of initiatives.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with an average of 55 people diagnosed every day.
While the five-year survival rate has increased from 76 per cent to 91 per cent in the past 26 years, eight people still lose their lives to the disease each day.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation hopes research on prevention, detection and treatment will stop deaths from breast cancer in Australia by 2030.
But the organisation relies on donations to fund this research.
For more information, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation website.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
