Influencing the fight against cancer

Georgia Lane knows cancer doesn’t discriminate – in April, the 43 year old Gold Coast local’s worst fears were realised when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Following a lumpectomy, removal of her lymph nodes, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Georgia will continue to defy the odds and is determined to do everything she can to give hope for a cancer free future.

The president and founder of Women of Influence, a Gold Coast based women’s networking group, will be fighting back against the disease that takes too much by supporting Cancer Council Queensland at their quarterly conference later this month.

Women of Influence will co-host a breakfast event at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on Friday, July 25 from 6.30am, with all funds raised going towards Cancer Council Queensland’s vital work in cancer research, education and patient support services.

Ms Lane, who is still undergoing treatment, said she was inspired to unite Women of Influence with CCQ to show her support for other women touched by the disease.

“Many of our Women of Influence guests and committee members have been affected first-hand by cancer, we are keen to use our experience and connections to help others,” Ms Lane said.

“It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness – I was about to go to China for a conference when I noticed a lump in my breast, I thought it was just something to do with hormones – a couple of weeks later I went to the doctor for a flu injection, and I casually raised the lump with my GP,” Ms Lane said.

“The biopsy confirmed it was cancer – I am so lucky that I mentioned the lump because I would have dismissed it and things could have been a lot worse for me.”

The quarterly Women of Influence event promises a morning of great company, delicious food and wonderful entertainment.

“The sit down breakfast for women in business will include some fantastic prizes and our amazing guest speaker Emily Kucukalic, an international branding expert, who will deliver some truly practical tips about personal branding,” Ms Lane said.

Regional Fundraising Coordinator Lyn Mitchell said the Women of Influence breakfast provided an opportunity for women to network and support the fight against cancer.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Queensland women – around 2900 new cases are diagnosed each year, and sadly around 500 women will die from the disease,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Events like this allow us to make a real difference to those affected by breast cancer through prevention programs, supports services and world-class research.

Tickets for the Women of Influence breakfast are $46 per person or $350 for a table of eight, and RSVP is required Wednesday, July 23.

For more information or to purchase a ticket visit www.womenofinfluence.org.au.

Women of Influence is a not for profit organisation that started in 2005, to provide a forum for Gold Coast based business women to network, learn and connect.

Cancer Council Queensland is an independent, community-based charity, the achievements of which are made possible by the generosity of Queenslanders.

For more information about Cancer Council Queensland visit www.cancerqld.org.au or call the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.

ENDS.

For more information, interview and photograph opportunities:

Eliarne Iezzi, Media Advisor, Cancer Council Queensland P. (07) 3634 5153 or 0457 280 268.