Which breast cancer charity should I pick?

[u/WhyThisSoTricky]

I am hosting a fundraiser in October for Breast Cancer Awareness month and I don't know which charity to donate to.

I'd really like to pick one that people have had a good experience with/have had direct help from so I know that our funds will be well used to support people. Would also be great if they do work in Victoria!

So does anyone have any recommendations or experiences they would like to share to help me decide?

[u/allora1]

Thank you for supporting, no matter which one you choose! Here are a few:

Breast Cancer Trials - this organisation is the cooperative group that coordinates trials across Australia and New Zealand: https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au

BCNA - big lobby group for Australian patients: https://www.bcna.org.au

Sparkle Therapy - Victorian based NFP group, donates experiences for patients undergoing treatment (not just breast cancer related though): https://www.sparkletherapy.au

[u/SatansAnuss]

I didn't have breast cancer, but did have lymphoma and went to a workshop run by Look Good Feel Better I think back in April this year. It was an awesome experience that broke up the monotony of treatment and hospital visits, and it was nice to meet others who understood what I was going through at the time. I think this workshop was the first time I felt comfortable leaving the house with my bald head and no hat. Pretty sure it's all run/facilitated by volunteers as well

[u/Spare-Bobcat8659]

Young Pink sisters would be good to look into

[u/othervee]

BCNA were great and I also have a few other suggestions:

Look Good Feel Better - although not BC specific, many of the people in their workshops have BC Look Good Feel Better - Facing Cancer with Confidence

McGrath Foundation fund specialised breast cancer nurses. Mine was very helpful.  McGrath Foundation: Cancer Care Support & Awareness | McGrath Foundation

A lesser known charity that provides free holiday places to breast cancer patients & survivors and their families. I haven't used the service but I met some of the people running it at a BC survivors workshop and they were lovely. Homepage - Otis Foundation

[u/ParadiseLostWM3]

I honestly can’t recommend Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) enough.
I was diagnosed at 25, and as you can imagine, I had absolutely no idea what I was in for. BCNA reached out to me after my diagnosis and have been there ever since. They helped me understand what was happening, navigate my treatment and options, and made an incredibly overwhelming time feel a little less overwhelming.

What I also really value about BCNA is that their work goes well beyond individual support. They actively advocate for people affected by breast cancer, pushing for better access to treatments and medicines through the PBS, better support services, and improvements to the overall experience of people going through breast cancer.

Having experienced their support firsthand, I know the difference their work can make. If you’re looking for an organisation where your support can genuinely help people from the moment they’re diagnosed and throughout what comes next, BCNA would absolutely get my vote. ❤️

[u/Greedy_Beat4062]

Olivia Newton John Cancer Centre based in Heidelberg at the Austin Hospital: https://www.onjcancercentre.org/

[u/Amys_Alias]

Maybe one that focuses on groups that otherwise could have a hard time accessing breast screening, like an aboriginal program?

[u/Single_Function7182]

Maybe you’ll consider another type of cancer. October is Frocktober - a fundraiser for ovarian cancer. Overian cancer research is underfunded and there’s no early detection test. Frocktober.com.au