The iconic Pink Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground is underway, and the McGrath Foundation is making an urgent plea to the nation. With a staggering statistic revealing that nearly one in two Australians will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, the demand for specialist support has reached a critical point.
An Ambitious Target for a Growing Mission
This year, the foundation has set its most ambitious fundraising target to date. The goal is to sell 480,000 Virtual Pink Seats, with the aim of providing crucial support for 8,000 families navigating the challenges of a cancer journey. The funds are vital for placing specialist McGrath Cancer Care Nurses in communities across the country.
Speaking on Sunrise, co-founder and cricket legend Glenn McGrath highlighted a significant evolution for the charity. Over the past 12 months, the foundation has expanded its focus from exclusively supporting breast cancer to now assisting individuals and families affected by all types of cancer.
"I'm really proud that we've moved from just supporting breast cancer to now anyone going through any type of cancer," McGrath said. "You shouldn't be discriminated against because of what cancer you have, compared to what type of support you receive."
Strong Start as Test Match Progresses
Foundation ambassador and director Tracey Bevan, who appeared alongside McGrath, provided an encouraging update. She confirmed that a remarkable 150,000 virtual seats had already been sold. The team is now pushing hard to reach 250,000 sales by the end of the day.
"We need you to go to pinktest.com.au," Bevan urged the public. "Buy as many as you can because every single seat is helping a family experiencing cancer."
With the SCG pitch holding up well, there is optimism the Test match could extend into days four and five. McGrath joked that he had made some calls to try and prolong the game, giving the fundraising campaign more time to reach its monumental target.
Two Decades of Impact and a Lasting Legacy
Now in its 20th year, the foundation's impact is profound. In the past year alone, it has added 82 new McGrath Cancer Care Nurses to its national network, bringing the total to 343 dedicated professionals.
Tracey Bevan reflected on the foundation's journey with immense pride, noting its expansion to all cancers and the incredible number of families helped. "It makes me proud to know... that we've been able to support almost 170,000 Australian families going through a really tough time," she said. She also expressed her belief that Glenn's late wife, Jane McGrath, would be deeply proud of the legacy.
The foundation's flagship event, the Jane McGrath High Tea, is scheduled for tomorrow at the SCG, hosted by Sunrise's Edwina Bartholomew. The event honours Jane, who founded the charity to ensure free access to breast care nurses for all families, and who passed away in 2008.
