For over eleven years PKF Newcastle, The Wests Group and Newcastle Herald have collaborated to raise funds for the education and training of the Hunter’s breast care nurses.
In 2017, more than $19,000 was raised at PKF’s Annual Breast Care Fundraiser Breakfast, highlighting the enormous heart and generosity of the Hunter community and the 50 individual businesses involved in the event.
Hosted by NBN Television’s retiree Mike Rabbitt, the event saw 300 guests fill the Starlight Room at Wests New Lambton to hear about the inspiring work of the Hunter Nurse Education Group – Breast Cancer Care.
Former corporate success driven mother, Recreation Program Coordinator for Camp Quality and glass half-full kind of person, Karissa Lewis was the event’s guest speaker. Karissa spoke about her inspirational life story and how her life changed forever when she was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Karissa described breast cancer as “the best thing that ever happened to her”, with her diagnosis and subsequent journey to beat the disease leading to her making major life changes, and finally taking some time to put herself first.
Karissa’s key message to “stop and smell the roses” is sure to stick with everyone who attended.
With the most recent breakfast contribution, the event has raised more than $213,000 over the past eleven years. Every dollar raised stays in the Hunter to fund training and professional development for specialist breast care nurses. The nurses are dedicated to caring for Hunter people facing the battle to overcome breast cancer.
Managing Director of PKF Newcastle and Sydney, Steve Meyn said the overwhelming support for breast care nurses and their invaluable role in the community was inspirational.
“It was a great morning raising much needed funds for Hunter-based nurses,” Steve said.
“Karissa is a truly amazing woman having been through so much and listening to her story truly inspired us all. PKF is very proud to have initiated and partnered with The Wests Group and Newcastle Herald as major sponsors of this event for the benefit of people of the Hunter.”
IMAGE | PKF, The Wests Group and Newcastle Herald’s Annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser Breakfast was another huge success.
