PinkFinss Expands To Include Men

It would be a very rare person who had never been impacted in some way by cancer, which is possibly why PinkFinss is such a success story.

The charitable organisation was founded by Jodie Amor, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer when she was in her early 30s, raising two small children.

She was a healthy young woman, with no family history of breast cancer, according to Pink Finss Funding and Grants Coordinator, Leann Dibbley.

“She travelled a good hour-plus for treatment and support,” Ms Dibbley said.

“Although she had a lot of family and support around her, it was evident that people didn’t really understand.

“When she decided she was going to win her battle, she and her best friend, Kim, started fundraising.

“It started with triathlons and donating.”

Before too long, the group registered as a charitable organisation, offering support to women diagnosed with breast cancer and Pink Finss was born in 2012.

In 2017, they decided to expand their services to support women with all forms of cancer.

In this, their twelfth year, Pink Finss has expanded once again to include support for men with cancer.

Ms Dibbley became involved in the group when her own sister was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Unfortunately, her sister lost her battle with the disease, but Ms Dibbley stuck with the group and became part of the Pink Finss small team of staff just last year and this year, she was asked to lead the men’s side of things.

“Hawkesbury Living Cancer Trust said they wanted to support us,” Ms Dibbley said.

“In 2011, we conducted a few focus groups with men who had cancer and post treatment.”

Ms Dibbley said that most of the men involved in the focus groups said they didn’t need support and probably wouldn’t use it, but their carers, wives and partners disagreed.

“One woman said, “When your husband or your partner gets diagnosed with cancer, your whole family has it,” Ms Dibbley said.

“We have 30 men on the books now.”

Pink Finss runs men’s catch-up groups, carers groups and support in a variety of ways, including practical.

Ms Dibley said all those jobs that still have to get done, but are often forgotten about, like cleaning, ready-made meals, etc, are all supports that Pink Finss helps with.

While the organisation applies for any grants they may be eligible for, Ms Dibbley said it relied heavily on the Hawkesbury community.

“Our funding comes predominantly from the local community through the events the group holds,” she said.

The next major event for Pink Finss is the Sportsmen’s Lunch in March followed by the Pink Tie Ball in May and the Annual Race Day in September.

Ms Amor said the believes the reason Pink Finss has grown and evolved over the past 12 years is down to the wonderful Hawkesbury community.

“What makes the Pink Finss unique is our ability to connect not only with the people who need help but also with our community and I truly believe you couldn’t do what we do anywhere else other than in the Hawkesbury,” she said.

“What we have created is truly something unique and so special.”

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, or know someone who has, and would like some support, head to pinkfinss.com.au.

They also welcome donations, subscribers and volunteers.

• Topics:

• Community Groups
• Health & Wellness
• Charity / Worthwhile Causes