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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 patient Elouise Constantine, of Fremantle, today.
Ms Constantine was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, aged 33, and despite undergoing invasive surgery and six months of chemotherapy, she was able to support herself through a three-year Nursing degree.
However a routine check-up in 2007 revealed another lump in her lymph nodes and resulted in further surgery. Elouise has since undertaken a second sixth-month chemotherapy treatment and 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
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