Everyone needs a friend like Tracy Bevan. Her official title is McGrath Foundation Ambassador and Director. However her favourite title is Jane McGrath’s best friend. As a community partner with the McGrath Foundation, we had the honour of getting to know her.
What is your role at the McGrath Foundation?
Tracy Bevan, McGrath Foundation Ambassador & Director. My favourite title is Jane McGrath’s best friend. I helped set up the McGrath Foundation in 2005. As a Director and member of the staff of the McGrath Foundation, I spend most of my time engaging and connecting with the community to raise awareness about the vital role the McGrath Foundation plays in funding McGrath Breast Care Nurses in the community.
Tell us a bit about the McGrath Foundation and why it was founded?
The McGrath Foundation was co-founded by Jane and Glenn McGrath. Jane’s public experience with breast cancer and the impact of her own breast care nurse set her commitment and the mission for the Foundation: to ensure that every family experiencing breast cancer would have access to a McGrath Breast Care Nurse no matter where they lived – for free. The McGrath Foundation now funds 171 McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia, who have supported over 100,000 families since 2005.
What is the role of McGrath Breast Care Nurses?
A McGrath Breast Care Nurse is a specialised, registered nurse who acts as a patient advocate, for free. McGrath Breast Care Nurses help individuals and their families affected by breast cancer by providing invaluable physical, psychological and emotional support, from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment.
How can Australians support McGrath Breast Care Nurses?
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, so our McGrath Breast Care Nurses are needed more than ever.
It costs around $140,000 to fund a McGrath Breast Care Nurse for a year including training and development. We need another 79 more McGrath Breast Care Nurses to ensure that no one misses out on care. There are many ways for Australians to support, whether it’s becoming a regular giver, becoming a corporate partner, hosting a pink fundraiser or volunteering at the Pink Test. For more ways on how you can support, visit mcgrathfoundation.com.au.
What's your one message you want us to pass on women and men?
55 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia every day this year. It is important that we all take control of our own breast health and get to know what is normal! If you notice any changes don’t wait, book an appointment with your GP
Learn more about the Mcgrath Foundation here. To learn more about how to check your breasts and signs to look out for, follow here.
