EMIRATES WESTERN FORCE LINK WITH BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION OF WA
Tuesday, 17 February 2009 6:15pm
RugbyWA Media Release
The Emirates Western Force has enlisted the Breast Cancer Foundation of Western Australia (BCFA) as its second chosen charity for the 2009 season, following on from the announcement of the team’s Ronald McDonald House partnership last November.
New front row recruit Ben Castle and centre Junior Pelesasa launched the partnership with a visit to the home of breast cancer survivor Elouise Constantine, of Fremantle, today.
Ms Constantine was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, aged 33. Despite undergoing invasive surgery, six months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation therapy, she was able to support herself through a three-year degree to become a Registered Nurse.
However, a routine check-up in February 2007 revealed cancer in her lymph nodes and resulted in further surgery and hormone treatment. Again in May 2008, the cancer had returned in her lymph nodes.Elouise has since undertaken a second sixth-month course of aggressive chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation therapy. She is receiving vital support from the BCFWA while her treatment continues.
“After speaking with Elouise today and seeing how hard she’s fought and battled this terrible disease, it’s only right that we try to chip in and assist her and other breast cancer sufferers as much as we can,” said Pelesasa.
“Most people will have had some experience with cancer in their families and friends and understand that being able to access support from organisations such as BCFWA is absolutely priceless for helping them through the tough times,” he said.
The BCFWA provides personalised support and care for those affected by breast cancer.
Its services included free professional emotional support, a unique financial assistance program and practical assistance program which may include help within the home, transport to medical appointments whatever need is required.
“I think it’s important that we help to raise the awareness of breast cancer in the local community and what’s best is that all money raised by the BCFWA stays in WA,” said Castle, who joined the team just three weeks ago from French club Toulon.
“The team will introduce a number of different initiatives throughout the year to help raise funds for the charity,” he said.
One of those initiatives has already been confirmed, with the side’s Week 6 fixture against the Sharks on Saturday 21 March to be themed as ‘ladies day’, with a focus on driving funds for the BCFWA.
For more information on breast cancer, visit www.breastcancer.org.au.
