The National Breast Cancer Foundation fundraiser saw supporters, dressed in pink head to the cafe for a special morning tea organised by Lynn with support of cafe owner Sue Wilkie and Made by U fitness centre, Merimbula. Both Sue and staff member Josh sported pink hair 

Lyn Dawson was diagnosed with breast cancer from her two-yearly mammogram. She had no lump or symptoms and no one in her family had suffered from breast cancer. Since her diagnosis in February, Lyn has had two lymph nodes removed and is having chemotherapy at the South East Regional Hospital (SERH).

Unfortunately Lyn was not able to attend as she was in SERH recovering from pneumonia but friends and supporters attended and wished her well. Friends were told that Lyn would need to be in hospital for another 24 hours.

McGrath Foundation breast care nurse Jenny Garner, who has been working with the foundation since 2007, said the event was an good example of how women helped each other through difficult times.

“At any one time I have about 50 clients. Approximately one woman a week is diagnosed (with breast cancer in the Bega Valley) and I move with them through the treatment process which can be up to 18 months,” Ms Garner said.

SERH has an oncology unit and Lyn has been able to have her chemotherapy treatment there but Ms Garner was asked whether SERH could have radiation treatment available as well, so that women did not have to travel to Canberra.

“Theoretically it could but it needs a complex team of staff to operate it,” Ms Garner said.

“Even if the money was raised or found to buy a machine, it is difficult to fund the extended network of staff, year on year, needed to operate it,” Ms Garner added.

Pink flowers are starting to cover the cafe window as people donate and write a message of hope, support or remembrance for friends and family members who have gone through or are going through breast cancer.