Forum Discussion
Breast friends are vital when you’re diagnosed with breast cancer
Many people have told us that your whole world is turned
upside down when you find out you have breast cancer, and it’s at that moment
your support network becomes really important to you. Many people have also
told us they were surprised and moved by the people who stepped up and provided
real support. Those people who were there for you through the hardest times
become your ‘breast friends’.
This is the theme of this year’s annual Pink Bun campaign and we’re asking you to call out your group of ‘breast friends’ who supported you during your breast cancer journey.
If you go into a Bakers Delight store between now and 29 May you will see posters of breast cancer survivors posing with their tee-shirts off, each holding a different shaped bun or roll over their breasts. These images serve to remind us that support can come in all shapes and sizes.
This year, the Pink Buns being baked across the country will be smaller, fun-sized buns. From 2 to 15 May, 100 per cent of the sale of Pink Fun Buns will be donated to BCNA. Following this, $1 from every six-pack of healthy rolls purchased will be donated to BCNA from 16 to 29 May.
You can support the campaign by visiting your local Bakers Delight between 2 to 29 May and buying Pink Fun Buns and six-packs of rolls. You can also show your support by buying a ‘breast friends’ carry bag or leaving a message of support on a Pink Lady silhouette in-store.
For those who would like to thank their own group of ‘breasties’ make sure you post a photo on social media using the hashtag #breastfriends and tag your amazing support network.
BCNA would like to thank our breast friend, Bakers Delight, for their support over the past 19 years. With the funds raised from Bakers Delight’s annual Pink Bun campaign, BCNA can continue supporting everyone affected by breast cancer from the moment their world is turned upside down. Thank you Bakers Delight – we couldn’t do what we do without you.
Kirsten Pilatti
CEO Breast Cancer Network Australia
39 Replies
- The Fun Buns/Bakers Delight promotion presents breast cancer as do-able, not too serious, you'll emerge with physical changes but 'she be right' in the end - we survived with laughs and smiles! This is in stark contrast to BCNA's Facebook video featuring a young woman diagnosed with metastatic BC and @kmakm (not smiling or laughing) talking about how she'll be living with breast cancer for the rest of her life. This is not a criticism of @kmakm or any of the other models, whom I admire for their involvement in the campaign.There is an irreconcilable dichotomy between these aspects of the fundraising and awareness-raising campaign, perhaps driven by differing marketing goals and target audiences.
- @jan61 I'm saying its not inclusive :) sorry you must have misconstrued what I have said. Trying to explain to everyone else that it isnt a representation of everyone.
- @melclarity I wonder why you think this campaign is inclusive? Race and gender seem to have been dismissed?
I has nothing to do with nudity or scars ( or lack of scars ) ...... it is the trivialisation of Breast cancer... the general public already think its no worse than a cold....
Until the 1980's... if you were married you needed your husbands signature to apply for a passport.... because you were a possession. Think about that. How far have we come? or not.. if the best we can up with is pink fun buns.. - I did just want to say again, and I think others would agree, it's not about the fundraising, this has obviously turned into a massive fundraiser due to the massive publicity, whether good or not. I think people are misconstruing those that are not a fan of this particular fundraiser, it's got nothing to do with nudity at all...I think we'd all agree how brave of any woman!! it's how the buns are used and the overall insinuation of entertainment. Just hoping that maybe helps where @jan61 and others are possibly coming from. I think and I ask all of you to think openly and objectively, this isnt a collective representation of all that have gone through BC.
We are all in the same Arena unfortunately of having been down this arduous road, everyone wants to be represented reflective of their personal experience, with care and compassion. Hoping people can step back and be inclusive of everyone and respectful of how everyone feels. - Whether the campaign does it for you or not, it's a big fundraiser. Different strokes for different folks as @melclarity has said. And I congratulate the women who have been brave enough to put their bodies and scars on display to show what they, and we, live with. Of course, we are all different and so are the physical scars we bear from this and your body may not match up with the one on the poster. These women volunteered for this gig and it's very personal challenges, so it's not as if there was a huge pool of cultural and scar diversity to draw on. Personally, I dislike the pink wash over everything but I accept that at the moment, it's wedged firmly in the public psyche and opens the purse strings. I also wonder about pushing the sugar aspect (as I reach for another sweet treat to get me through the day). But I'm not going to say no to the money that enables this organisation, and this forum that has saved my sanity, to run. And I'm not going to say no to the images that, hopefully, will enable more acceptance of what we have been through, and what we are under the clothing and prosthetics. Bees and honey, guys.
- @"Annie C" thank you, I just think everyone is entitled to an opinion and this campaign absolutely will not be suited to or for everyone. I do think if anyone is entitled to one, it's definitely somebody who has been through it and their own personal experience and reflection, it's not about the public. Its easy for it to get off topic too, it's not about the fundraising either...merely the campaign. x
- I agree with you @jan61. Where are the radiation burns? Perhaps the burns and blisters are not 'fun' enough for this tickle-me-pink campaign.
- @melclarity
Once again, another positive, inclusive and supportive post from yourself.
Thankyou - I do think ladies that in all fairness to every Member on the Forum, you have to allow for personal interpretation to the campaign. Just as our individual paths have been vast and wide, we have to honor and be all inclusive. Some will like the campaign and some will not and find it not reflective in anyway and possibly feel trivialized....lets honor and respect everyone! There's no right or wrong.
The Forum and its support is not questioned at all...it's a great place to share experiences and seek support...Ive given enormous support over the years and have a few good friends through here also.
Let's be inclusive to everyone because isnt that what the Forum is meant to be about? - @arpie the ad uses the term " pink fun buns" in reference to breasts. Its a little too close to " pink fun bags " for me...
