Raelene Boyle's 60th

 

On Friday 1 July in Melbourne, Olympic legend and inspirational BCNA board member Raelene Boyle kicked up her heels with the Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Health Minister Nicola Roxon and Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu, along with the who’s who of Melbourne. The spectacular party celebrated her 60th birthday milestone and 15 years of survival since being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996.

The night was truly a celebration of Raelene’s achievements and an opportunity for us all to say thank you for the contribution Raelene has made to BCNA.

The event, held at the Crown Palladium was a black tie affair but the hot pink of Breast Cancer Network Australia was proudly on display and matched the brightness of the mood in the room.

Despite the serious nature of breast cancer, party goers were out in force to celebrate survival and living well.

 


"I'm very pleased to be here and celebrating a birthday that at one point I wasn’t sure I’d see -- and that is the message -- for the majority, with the right support, you can live well after breast cancer. I’m looking forward to my 70th!," said Raelene.

Paying tribute to the guest of honour, Prime Minister Gillard said: "Your life has touched many people and this little gathering tonight is a snapshot of the wider esteem in which you are held. Esteem that was born in your career on the running track and grows with every day that you devote to this strong passion of yours, helping women as they journey through breast cancer."

Interviewed on stage by MC, Eddie McGuire, and with her characteristic irreverent humour, Raelene’s candid reflections on her life, and its challenges had the thousand strong crowd by the heart. There was no question Raelene Boyle is happy to be alive and is grateful for her good health.

Auction items were fiercely contested on the night. More than $430,000 has been raised and will go directly to the  important work of BCNA in supporting all Australians affected by breast cancer.

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