Not many people can say their role is funded by a pink tractor.
But thanks to the efforts of a Mudgee real estate agent, enough money was raised to fund a McGrath Breast Care Nurse to support families in the South West Sydney region.
Hugh Bateman went on a Pink Tractor Trek across NSW in 2015 to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.
Samantha Burns, the McGrath Breast Care Nurse, will provide invaluable physical, psychological and emotional support from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment for breast cancer, making a life-changing difference to families she supports, completely free of charge.
Ms Burns says she feels honoured and privileged to be the tangible outcome of the generosity of so many individuals and communities across the state who donated to Hugh Bateman’s Pink Tractor Trek.
“This is evidence that Australians are such passionate and kind hearted people and I am so proud to be able to return the favour of generosity shown by so many individuals by serving the wonderful people of South West Sydney,” she said.
After witnessing so many friends and clients go through a breast cancer experience, Hugh decided to do something to make a real difference.
“When I started the journey, I just wanted to raise money for breast care nurses, and provide an awareness, because I know what value our McGrath Breast Care Nurse in Mudgee provides to our local community; to know that I’ve raised enough to support another position for three years in another deserving community is both wonderful and humbling,’’ Hugh said.
Ms Burns says she’s found her calling in her role of supporting her patients and their families, providing reassurance and answering their questions to ensure that they can remain in control of their breast cancer experience as best as they can.
“There are no words to describe the contentment I feel when I realise what an impact I have had on someone’s life at that point in time. The satisfaction that comes from caring for someone when they are feeling so down and watching them come back to their old self is like no other.’’
She connects on a personal level with individuals with breast cancer and their families and is constantly enriched, surprised and humbled by the lives and stories of the people she meets.
“I love how culturally diverse the local communities are. Every person has a story, and in South West Sydney, the stories are just as diverse and vibrant as the people that live here.’’
The communities Samantha supports are among Sydney’s most diverse but thanks to the translation services provided by the local hospitals, she is able to provide care for people who don’t speak English as their first language.
Co-founded by Jane and Glenn McGrath after Jane’s initial recovery from breast cancer, the McGrath Foundation raises money to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia as well as increasing breast awareness in young people.
McGrath Foundation ambassador and director Tracy Bevan, said she was in awe of Hugh’s amazing effort to inspire so many Australians to contribute to this very special cause.
“A huge congratulations and thank you to Hugh for his outstanding fundraising efforts, ensuring the McGrath Foundation can continue to benefit such a variety of families who can do with Samantha’s support.
“These nurses act as a patient advocate; they coordinate care not only for those with breast cancer, but also for the families and carers. Since 2005 the McGrath Foundation has supported more than 47,000 families experiencing breast cancer,’’ she said.
To contact Samantha Burns phone 0472 837 382 or email Samantha.Burns@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
