About Us
Who is BCFWA?
Founded in 2000 by Ros Worthington OAM, the Breast Cancer Foundation of Western Australia Inc (BCFWA) is a WA charity that provides personalised emotional, practical and financial support to people affected by breast cancer. This includes carers and family, who have their own challenges and needs through the experience.
Support Services
Support services include access to a McGrath Specialist Breast Care Nurse, counselling, specific support groups, various financial assistance including travel and accommodation expenses for country people, help with general household bills and gaps in medical expenses, practical assistance including transport to and from medical appointments, help with basic living needs during treatment like cleaning and peer support or or just being a friendly shoulder in times of need.
Thanks to the generosity of the Western Australian community, all services are free of charge and tailored to each individuals needs. Click here to read some examples of how we have been able to help.
The BCFWA supports families from all over the state and places the highest value on each individual by asking 'How can we support you?'. If you or someone you know is affected by a diagnosis of breast cancer and is in need of support, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Indigenous Support
The BCFWA was the first of its kind to establish services specific for the Indigenous community and employs a full time coordinator to work with Indigenous communities across the state to educate and provide financial and practical support whilst in Perth for treatment.
Education and Awareness
The BCFWA also places a strong emphasis on educating the community about breast cancer. To fund this important function the Purple Boot Brigade™ initiative was born in conjunction with safety boots manufacturer Steel Blue.
With 1 in 9 women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, spreading the “Early Detection Saves Lives message has never been so important.
Why are we Purple?
It can get a bit confusing about who does what in the breast cancer field and often, pink is linked to research. To cut through the confusion and help WA people affected by breast cancer find us easier, we chose purple to represent the BCFWA.
How we are funded?
The BCFWA receives no recurrent government funding and relies solely on the generosity of the WA community to continue its vital work. Sponsorships and donations are the life source of the assistance we provide to those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are in need of basic support and care.
Importantly, money raised in WA stays in WA.
You may also know the BCFWA by its fundraising campaigns;
Long Table Lunch in April, is not just another charity lunch. Established as a Celebration of Women, this event importantly embraces the opportunity to honour, remember and celebrate the life of a woman who has lost her battle with breast cancer and who may represent all of those who have also lost their lives.
Purple Bra Day in June, raises awareness in a light-hearted manner which sees men and women wearing purple bras on top of their work clothes for a day and receive sponsorship from friends, family and colleagues for being brave enough to do so.
Purple Twilight Walk, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the BCFWA and the general community gather together at twilight to walk through along the river from Supreme Court Gardens, raising funds and awareness.