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Diagnosis a shock into action

Tim MayneSouthern Gazette

"I was shocked," Mrs Sanders said.

"Nobody in the family has ever had cancer and I have three daughters so yes, I was genuinely shocked."

The Bentley resident has always helped other people, but when she heard the news she quickly found herself relying on others.

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"When people wanted to help me I found that very hard but had to accept it," she said.

After undergoing extensive radiotherapy treatment, Mrs Sanders was relieved to hear she had finally beaten the disease.

The retiree is one of the "bosom buddies" at SwanCare's Bentley Park residential care facility who are participating in Purple Bra Day fundraising for breast cancer research.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

In support of other women, Mrs Sanders and her friends decided to dye 200 bras purple to symbolise the hope of women with the disease and as a way of saying thank you to support groups.

"I can’t thank BreastCare WA enough for all of their support during the time I was undergoing treatment, the breast cancer nurses helped me enormously and I�m forever grateful," she said.

"The organisation touches the lives of so many people living with breast cancer and they do a wonderful job; this is a way of saying thank you by getting the SwanCare community involved in this really great cause," she said.

In addition to the bizarre bra display, a 1930s fashion parade has been organised as well as an afternoon tea.

Purple Bra Day is on June 19 and is the major fundraising event for BreastCare WA.

For more on the SwanCare event, call 6250 0010.