Weekend to End Women’s Cancers raises $2 million

The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers announced 756 walkers helped raise over $2 million for the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH), as the second annual Weekend commenced on Saturday in Brisbane.

Funds raised through the largest multi-day walk for women’s cancers in Queensland, supports life-saving research programs for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of women’s cancers at QIMR Berghofer and treatment, care, research and survivorship programs for all women’s cancers at RBWH.

“This dedicated and inspiring community of walkers, sponsors, volunteers, crew members and donors are responsible for making the 2nd annual Weekend to End Women’s Cancers a tremendous success,” said Professor Frank Gannon, Director of QIMR Berghofer.

“A staggering one in two women in Queensland will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. Funds raised through The Weekend will continue to support world-leading projects for women’s cancers at QIMR Berghofer as well as undertake research and treatment methods at RBWH. Through this highly emotional event, we are able to continue to support our teams of scientists and staff in their efforts to making vital contributions towards our mission of ending all women’s cancers,” Professor Gannon added.

In two years, The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers raised a total of $5.4 million for QIMR Berghofer and RBWH. The annual two-day, 60km walk through Brisbane and overnight camp in Teralba Park, Everton Parklands draws thousands of participants, hundreds of volunteers and brings together communities of cancer survivors, walkers and their supporters who train and fundraise for months in order to participate.

“I’m walking in The Weekend because my younger sister Diane was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 37, my middle sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at 50 and my mother fought breast and ovarian cancers before the latter took her life away,” said Gillian Riddell, a second-year walker from Wongawallan, Queensland.

“At 51-years-old, I had a full hysterectomy at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital because I, along with my sister and brother, carry the breast cancer gene, brac2. I will walk 60 km this Saturday and Sunday because it is important to raise awareness and funds for The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers. We need to put an end to this dreadful disease before it takes anyone else’s life,” Riddell added.

Dr. Amanda Dines, Executive Director of Cancer Care Services at RBWH, says The Weekend powers the strategic partnership with QIMR Berghofer and the hospital is very grateful of the funds raised through The Weekend.

With last year’s funds, RBWH has been able to purchase equipment, such as special breast board cushions, that improves the patient’s experience while undergoing treatment as well as conduct further research to improve treatment methods, limit side-effects and enhance survivorship.

“As Queensland’s largest hospital, our Diamond Standard of Comprehensive Cancer Care focuses on the individual patient and the therapy which is best for their specific form of breast or gynaecological cancer. Thanks to the generous support through The Weekend, we can continue to increase survival rates and improve the quality of life for all our patients and their families,” Dr. Dines added.

Event organizers released 24 and 25 October for the 2015 Weekend and encouraged people of all athletic abilities to participate in the 3rd annual Weekend to End Women’s Cancers.

“We extend a warm welcome to everyone here this weekend and encourage them all to join us next year for the 3rd annual Weekend,” said Professor Gannon.

“Register today at our 2015 registration tent, visit us online at www.endcancer.org.au or call us 1300 22 WALK (9255),” Professor Gannon concluded.

Weekend organizers expect thousands of supporters to attend public cheering stations along the route. For a map of the Weekend route, visit www.endcancer.org.au