My second Field of Women
On Saturday night I was part of the Field of Women at the MCG.
The last time I stood on the ground, I was there as an ambassador with my good friend Pat who had been diagnosed five years earlier.
This time I stood on the Field of Women as BCNA's CEO and as a survivor.
I stood there supported by my husband John, son James, my mother, my brothers and their children.
As the pink lady was filling, I choked up with emotion. Watching her filling up on the big screen as thousands of people in pink ponchos stream into the shape made me realise the enormity of the event and the impact breast cancer has on so many lives. Young and old, friends and family, men, women and children were all connected in that space and time on the G.
I felt a powerful sense of mutual understanding and support filling the space between us all. Tears were shed, but I think there was a sense of solidarity and of strength because everyone standing there understood the tears.
Our women, Sherone, Sharon and Megan gave such honest and brave reflections that connected with the participants and was also very much for those who could not be there. The uplifting performances and the beautiful image of the sparkling pink lady that reflected the whole experience will stay with me for a very long time.
Thank you so much to everyone involved.
Maxine
Watch all the speeches from Saturday's Field of Women
Comments
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Thanks for posting the speeches,for those of us who couldn't get to Melbourne.So emotional,and the night really makes you understand the sheer numbers of people diagnosed,when you see them all standing there together.I watched what was shown on TV:) xoxRobyn0
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Thanks for posting the speeches,for those of us who couldn't get to Melbourne.So emotional,and the night really makes you understand the sheer numbers of people diagnosed,when you see them all standing there together.I watched what was shown on TV:) xoxRobyn0
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BCNA is simply amazing. The speeches were beautiful and my eyes were streaming listening to them. The pink sisterhood are truly warriors. Thank you for posting them for us all to hear. There are so many of us, and the FOW really brings that home. So wish I could have been there. Michelle xxx
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Maxine,
Thank you so much for posting the video of the speeches from FOW. It was heart warming to be able to hear what each lady said as it was impossible on Saturday night. It was really disappointing that we couldn't hear.
On the bright side, I was proud to be standing on the MCG with ladies from Ballarat Pink Phoenix Breast Cancer Support Group, my partner (who I must say is my rock), my eldest daughter, my son and one of my stepsons. It was a very emotional night and I am so happy that I made the effort to attend.
With the amount of Pink Ladies there in person, it makes you feel that you are not alone. It is almost 12 months since my diagnosis and I wasn't ashamed to cry on the MCG. As you said, everyone understands the tears. Well done and I look forward to attending the next one with hopefully more of my beautiful family in tow.
Sally
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I loved listening to all the speeches, very heart felt & moving..I even had a tear ...I just can't believe there are so many of us with breast Cancer.... My goal is to get to FOW next year.... Thank you for sharing this video
Christine:) x0 -
I loved listening to all the speeches, very heart felt & moving..I even had a tear ...I just can't believe there are so many of us with breast Cancer.... My goal is to get to FOW next year.... Thank you for sharing this video
Christine:) x0 -
There has been a bit of negativity of late about how much money is raised for Breast Cancer in comparison to some other cancers. The focus of this has been on survival rates for various cancers and the number of deaths each year from each cancer. What seems to be overlooked with this view is the impact (physical, emotional and financial) that any cancer has on the life of the person concerned, their family and the larger community. The sheer number of women who are affected by breast cancer each year is huge as seen and highlighted by the FOW. It is about so much more than survival statistics!
Well done to BCNA for providing a voice for all the women and men who have felt and will unfortunately continue to feel the impact of BC on their lives.
Deanne xxx0 -
I must say that Sherone, Sharon and Megan all delivered simply wonderful speeches- so eloquent on behalf of so many. Maxine, your words were wonderful too, and to know you also became emotional is so totally honest and sincere.
A must be repeated event, eh ladies?
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It was an absolutely awesome event and the feeling of love and support on the field was overwhelming. So many of us in tears, I was very lucky that I managed to hear the speeches on the night and they were inspiring.
I wish that all the ladies got the opportunity to take part in such an event as it really is uplifting.
Donna
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Thank you to everyone involved in the organisation of this year's FOW event - my first. It was a great priviledge to be there with my son. Amazing to see so many people, sponsors and BCNA partnerships achieving so much. Our Pink Lady really set the MCG a-glow! There were so many inspiring moments during the ceremony - full of hope, resilience and compassion. A reminder to all of us to keep sharing the BCNA message and nurturing the spirit of the Pink Lady. An extra special thank you to Lyn Swinburne - for your BCNA vision, dedication and determination - in leading and lighting the way for all of us affected by breast cancer.
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