STUDENTS CONQUER MOUNTAIN FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

A 400-strong contingent of students and teachers from West Wallsend High School have traversed 13km to the summit of Mount Sugarloaf and back today in the name of breast cancer research.

The ‘Cancer Sux’ walk has become a tradition for the high school and will this year raise awareness and funds for Newcastle-based research organisation Breast Cancer Trials.

PDHPE teacher David Munro explained that the initiative began 17 years ago, after a staff member was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since then, the school has raised a total of $80,000 for various local cancer charities.

Deputy Principal Michael Chandler said the pilgrimage was especially meaningful this year, as his wife Renee had been going through treatment for breast cancer.

Renee, 48, was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer last December. The mum-of-two had an agonising wait over the Christmas period until her lumpectomy and bilateral reconstruction surgery in January, followed by 15 rounds of radiation.

Renee’ mother Jan had breast cancer 12 years ago, and although neither carried the BRCA gene, their cancers were similar. Due to her family history, Renee was having more regular mammograms and had several biopsies over the years.

Renee’s GP referred her to a specialist at the breast clinic, who decided to send Renee for an MRI after investigating several benign cysts. The MRI showed the cancer, which had not been detected by a mammogram.

“I had a gut feeling breast cancer was something I would deal with in my life, after Mum’s experience, and getting some lumps investigated – that it was somewhat inevitable,” Renee explains.

Renee has been well supported by Michael, their daughters, one of whom also works at West Wallsend High School, Jan, and close-knit friends.

Having finished her treatment, Renee is now on hormone-blocking treatment, which initially gave her nausea, headaches, and fatigue, but has now settled down. She is back at work as a sales rep for WK Stone and looking forward to an overseas holiday, postponed from earlier this year.

Renee participated in Breast Cancer Trials’ fundraising initiative the Big Bold Walk this year and raised $3,417, determined to walk 100km despite the side effects of her treatment.

“I’m feeling good in myself now,” says Renee. “I will be forever grateful to my GP for referring me to the breast clinic, and to the breast specialist for sending me for an MRI.”

The students and teachers at West Wallsend High School were inspired to contribute to Breast Cancer Trials’ clinical trials research that aims to improve treatments for patients like Renee into the future.

Michael said the fundraising walk is now firmly entrenched in the school’s calendar.

“Students from Years 7 to 12 look forward to taking part in what is now an embedded tradition at the school,” said Michael. “As well as the obvious benefits to the charities we’ve supported, it’s a real focus point for bringing the students together in fun, common purpose, and also a matter of school pride in raising as much as possible.”

Karen Price, CEO of Breast Cancer Trials, expressed her gratitude for their support.

“The contributions that the students and teachers at West Wallsend High School, past and present, have made to cancer research and services in the Hunter region is nothing short of phenomenal,” says Karen. “Unfortunately, the lives of many students and teachers continue to be affected by breast cancer, so the Cancer Sux walk is a positive, healthy way for them to show their support. Individuals, acting together, can make such a difference – something that rings very true for the Breast Cancer Trials team. On behalf of my team – a huge thank you to everyone at West Wallsend High School.”

Contact: BCT Media & PR Lead, Sara McGregor –  sara.mcgregor@bctrials.org.au

Our life-saving breast cancer research is only possible thanks to the continued generosity of our supporters.