Published: 7 May 2014
MUA wharfie Sam Hatfield rallied his workmates to support the Mothers Day Classic
Sam and his wife were asked to be community ambassadors for the Mothers Day Classic fundraising event due to our story and because our family group helped raise $3700 for the cause last year.
Mother's Day Classic, which is the National Breast Cancer Foundation's major donor, will be held in 99 locations including every capital city - a great and meaningful way to start Mother's Day, Sunday May 11.
For the past 17 years proceeds from the Mother's Day Classic has supported NBCF research projects seeking better detection and prevention methods, treatment options and ways to improve the quality of life for the growing number of survivors.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women (1% of breast cancer is in men), with about 40 new diagnoses each day.
Through research, supported by the $19.8 million funding to NBCF byMother's Day Classic since the event began in 1998, the 5 year survival rate for breast cancer patients has grown to 89%.
But, with research, more can be done.
Sam's story:
My mum (Eunice) was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in October 2012.
My partners mum (Karen) was diagnosed with Grade 3 Breast Cancer 5 months later (March 2013).
Both Eunice and Karen with the support of our families participated in last year’s Mothers Day Classic in Ballarat despite undergoing treatment.
We found out about the MDC event through our sister in law Jess Lawless who lost her mum, to breast cancer almost 10 years ago.
“We were worried about how our mums would cope with the 6 km walk, but they pushed through it and even set the pace for some of the way.
It was a tremendous achievement when they crossed the finish line together!
After 8 years together, My partner Tegan and I got engaged in June 2013 and were married 10 weeks later in September. We decided to fast track the wedding as we wanted nothing more than for our mums to be there.
My mum was quite unwell on the day but with her strong will and determination she made sure she was there to see us walk down the aisle.
Mum (Eunice) died 4 weeks later on the 11th of October 2013 after a tough battle.
This year we will walk in her memory.
Tegan's mum Karen finished chemotherapy and radiation on Melbourne cup day in November 2013. Karen is doing well but still requires ongoing check ups every 3 months.
This year Karen will walk again as a survivor.
The Victorian Branch have donated $500.
DP World melbourne management have agreed to match dollar for dollar any employee contribution so I've been beating the drums to get everyone donating.
I've included my fundraising link below:
