Ahead of the NRMA Insurance Pink Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the McGrath Foundation, with the support of Cricket Australia, has announced it’s taking its care beyond breast cancer, to support people experiencing any type of cancer.
With around 1 in 2 people in Australia diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, the McGrath Foundation has unveiled a new purpose to ensure no one with cancer misses out on the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse.
With the McGrath Foundation taking its care to all cancers, the fundraising target for the 17th Pink Test is the most ambitious to date, aiming to sell 350,000 Virtual Pink Seats.
Making the announcement at the Sydney Cricket Ground, McGrath Foundation President & Co-Founder, Glenn McGrath, was joined by a very special team, the ‘McGrath Cancer Care Nurse XI’, making their debut to mark the next innings of cancer nursing care.
150,000 families
McGrath Foundation President & Co-Founder, Glenn McGrath said, ‘For the past 20 years, breast cancer has been our focus, and thanks to the support of the Australian community our nurses have cared for over 150,000 families across the country.
‘Today, the next innings of the McGrath Foundation begins. I’m extremely proud that not only will we be continuing to support people through breast cancer, we’re also now taking our care to all cancers.
‘Unfortunately, around 1 in 2 people in Australia will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and we believe everyone deserves care,’ he said.
‘Taking our care to all cancer demands our biggest Pink Test target ever. So, we’re asking Australia to help us sell 350,000 Virtual Pink Seats to start the job of ensuring no one with cancer misses out on a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse.’
Cricket Australia CEO, Nick Hockley said, ‘The Pink Test has always been a very special moment in the cricket calendar. We’re thrilled to support Glenn on this momentous occasion and continue our partnership with the McGrath Foundation to help them take their care even further.’
Expert free care
Holly Masters, CEO, McGrath Foundation said, ‘McGrath Cancer Care Nurses will provide clinical, psychosocial and emotional support for free to people and their families right across Australia. Ensuring greater equity of cancer care is our driving force and the Pink Test is just the beginning.’
Australian Test Cricketer, Alex Carey said, ‘Unfortunately you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who hasn’t been impacted by cancer in some way. Learning that the amazing support provided by the McGrath Foundation’s nurses will now be available to anyone experiencing cancer is inspiring.
‘This year we will be handing over our baggy pinks with a touch of extra pride.’
Sydney Cricket Ground CEO, Kerrie Mather said, ‘The Sydney Cricket Ground has been proud to support the McGrath Foundation since day one, and it’s very special to stand with them as they take this next step forward in providing care to even more families touched by cancer.
‘The New Year’s Pink Test has become so much more than world-class cricket and we’re so proud of the impact this event has on so many Australians.’
Beyond breast cancer
Since the Pink Test was first established in 2009, following the passing of Jane McGrath, Cricket Australia, the SCG and the cricket community have continued to rally together in an outpouring of support, with the Pink Test becoming a symbol of hope and unity for people with breast cancer.
This year, the Pink Test will signify a step forward in equity of care, with all money raised funding McGrath Cancer Care Nurses right across Australia and delivering world leading cancer nursing services to support people and their families through cancer.
To help the McGrath Foundation take its care to all cancers, visit here for more information on how to purchase Virtual Pink Seats.
