One in eight Hunter women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and with these numbers, it’s not surprising that demand for the breast cancer support services provided by the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation (HBCF) is high.

The foundation has recently employed two part-time staff to manage patient support services and co-ordinate their fundraising and administrative activities, with the continued support of the volunteer Board.

HBCF has also established its first office in Wickham, sharing space with IT services company, Myrtec.

HBCF President, Lisa Bartley, said the new team members and location are part of the foundation’s commitment to support more people each year.

“Research into treatment and prevention of breast cancer means that more people are surviving breast cancer than ever before,” Lisa said.

“However, patients still have to endure potentially long and painful treatments that have a profound impact on their every day lives, and this means we are providing support to more people each year.

“We are very excited about the establishment of the new office, and the potential growth for our fundraising and service provision in the Hunter.”

HBCF is holding its annual Bubbly Breakfast on Sunday 29 October 2017. The breakfast is one of the foundation’s flagship events designed to raise awareness of breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and raise much needed funds for the charity.

Around 500 people are expected at the event, which is held at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley each year.

“With the generous support that the foundation receives through events like the Bubbly Breakfast, we are able to continue to provide our much needed supportive care services, easing the burden on families during breast cancer treatment, which can be a harrowing time for those affected,” Lisa said.

Guests at the event will enjoy hot and cold breakfast, sparking wine, tea and coffee and entertainment by CrocQ.

IMAGE | HBCF’s Bubbly Breakfast in 2016.