together we can make a difference
G'day guys
I've just been asked to be a guest editor for a major medical magazine which deals with prostate cancer. Why, because last year my brother, Mum and I were all hit. Mum had part of a lung removed at 86 years-of-age, my brother had prostate cancer and I've been battling similar issues with my colon for some years. Mum and my brother have the all clear.
Anyway, I recently connected with the Mc Grath Foundation and have suggested one way we, writers and authors, can maybe help them raise some funds to assist women experiencing breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Statistics
Breast cancer is the most common and invasive cancer diagnosed in females in Australia. It is also the leading cause of cancer related deaths in females. One in nine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 85.
About the McGrath Foundation
A story well known in Australia, Jane and Glenn McGrath’s much publicised experience with breast cancer led to the formation of what has become one of Australia’s most respected and recognised charities, the McGrath Foundation. Glenn McGrath, nicknamed "Pigeon", is a former Australian cricket player. He is one of the most highly regarded fast-medium pace bowlers in cricketing history, and a leading contributor to Australia's domination of world cricket from the mid-1990s to the early 21st century. Known throughout his career for maintaining a remarkably accurate line and length, McGrath's consistency enabled him to be one of the most economical and dangerous fast bowlers of his time.
In 2002 Glenn and Jane founded the McGrath Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to raising money to fund more Breast Care Nurses in rural and regional Australia, and to educate young women to become 'breast aware'. Following the death of Jane in June 2008, Glenn accepted the voluntary role of Chairman of the Board of the McGrath Foundation, and participates in many activities in support of the Foundation to ensure the fulfilment of Jane's vision. Jane McGrath fought recurrent battles with metastatic breast cancer, having been first diagnosed in 1997. Sadly, Jane McGrath died, aged 42, on 22 June 2008 from complications following cancer surgery
Because of their experience came the belief that every Australian family experiencing Breast Cancer should have access to the support of a Breast Care Nurse shaping the McGrath Foundation’s mission to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia and to increase breast awareness in young women.
Today, the McGrath Foundation is considered to be one of Australia’s leading breast cancer support organisations, with over 16,000 Australian families supported by 77 McGrath Breast Care Nurses.
With a McGrath Breast Care Nurse in every State and Territory throughout Australia, families experiencing breast cancer can self refer to their nearest McGrath Breast Care Nurse (ie they do not require a medical referral) and be supported by one of our McGrath Breast Care Nurses free of charge.
At the same time, the McGrath Foundation is working to increase breast awareness right across the community and 2012 will see the launch of an education strategy to ensure a more informed population of young Australian women experiencing the best health they can through a better understanding of their bodies and breast health.
Jane McGrath Day - Day 3 of the Sydney Test
Check out the crowd - dressed in pink.
Where to from here?
Okay, you get the picture. Having discussed the concept with the McGrath foundation, I received the following response from Bianca Lockley - McGrath Foundation.
"Hi Clancy,
We thought that your idea sounded perfect for our upcoming High Tea’s. We are currently collecting prizes to use for our Mystery Box and raffles at our Signature High Tea’s which we host around the country. As I mentioned the main fundraising activity at the High Tea’s will be mystery boxes which are similar to a lucky draw - the guests are encouraged to buy a box for either $50 or $100 which contains a prize that is equal to or more than the value of their box. We are also hosting a premium raffle and have a selection of silent auction prizes. I believe that these signed book packs would work really well for the silent auctions or mystery boxes.
The High Teas dates are as follows:
Brisbane- 12th October
Ballarat- 13th October
Tamworth- 17th October
Sydney- 19th October
Dubbo- 21st October
Melbourne- 27th October
Adelaide- 28th October
We would love to put together a pack for any or all of these High Tea’s. Perhaps we could have it as a silent auction item instead with a higher reserve price? We would need to have all the book packs into our Northbridge office by the end of September latest beginning of October to ensure we have them ready for the High Tea’s.
Thank you again for getting in touch and showing your support.
Bianca"
What's my plan?
That as many authors as possible, agree to donate a signed copy of one book ... or two, to be auctioned. I've never heard of authors doing this before, but I'm sure many avid readers would love to win books signed by authors. My appeal today is mainly directed at Australian authors. However, any of my international colleagues would be welcome to respond. No problem if you only have eBooks. Let me know of your interest and we can organise a coupon, whereby an auction winner can directly contact you to receive your eBooks.
So, what do you reckon? Good cause? Of course it is. So, let's do something practical. To you authors out there, contact me: clancy_tucker@hotmail.com if any of you are keen to donate a signed book ... or books, to raise money for the McGrath Foundation. Spread the word to your colleagues as well. Hopefully, we can make a BIG difference.
I will post details on how successful we've been, including photographs, on a future blog.
I'm Clancy Tucker.
www.clancytucker.com.au
Clancy Tucker - Victoria x 1 paperback
Jasha Levi - NJ, USA - x 3 eBooks
Kim Stedman - Western Australia x 1 paperback
Kathleen O'Dwyer - Western Australia x 1 paperback
Peter Frederick - Victoria x 1 paperback
Sylvia Massara - Sydney - 5 sets of 4 novels
Errol Broome - Victoria x 4 books
Cindy C Bennett - Salt Lake City, USA - multiple eBooks
M. C. V. Egan - USA - multiple eBooks
Penny Garnsworthy - Tasmania - 1 x paperback
Dr. Judith O'Malley-Ford - Queensland - 1 x paperback
Clancy Tucker supports
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