Breast cancer survivor Louise Bennet lives with a permanent reminder of her battle with breast cancer – a 10cm scar across her chest.
The ambassador for this year's International Women's Day Fun Run presented by Queensland X-Ray is calling on Queenslanders to join Brisbane's Sea of Pink on March 9 and support others who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Ms Bennet and her daughter will be among the 20,000 people to hit the streets of the city, running, jogging and walking from South Brisbane's Vulture St to the city's Botanical Gardens.
"I feel honoured, it is a huge privilege to represent an iconic event that has a significant impact on people with breast cancer and their families," Ms Bennet said.
"Every time I have the opportunity to share my story or to inspire others who have walked this path, I feel such gratitude that my experience helps others."
Ms Bennet was breastfeeding her daughter in January 2023 when she discovered a lump in her right breast.
Scans just three months later revealed the now 35-year-old had aggressive triple negative breast cancer, as well as DCIS (Ductal carcinoma in situ or cancer in the milk ducts).
Ms Bennet was among the one in four Queensland breast cancer patients who receive treatment at Mater, undergoing a mastectomy at Mater Hospital Brisbane.
Following the mastectomy, Ms Bennet underwent gruelling chemotherapy and radiation treatment to her chest wall and lymph nodes at the Mater Cancer Care Centre in South Brisbane.
Ms Bennet said there was "no doubt" the event would be an emotional day for her.
"I will absolutely cry!", she said.
"There will be many emotions including gratitude, joy, love, and also grief for those who won't be there alongside us.
"It will feel particularly special to have my daughter alongside me, who walked the cancer journey just as intimately as I did."
Ms Bennet said she was fortunate to directly benefit from funds raised through Mater Foundation, as did many other breast cancer survivors she met during treatment.
"It is impossible to walk through the halls of the Mater, whether as a patient, family member, or visitor, and not see the impact that fundraising has had on helping people to thrive through their challenges," she said.
"The breast care nurses were able to access funding to pay for my genetic (BRCA) testing to be done – which would have been a few hundred dollars," she said.
"This meant I could assure my sisters and female relatives it was not a genetic form of breast cancer - it was also a big relief for my daughter's future."
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said the fun run had been a much-loved event for more than 30 years and allowed Queenslanders to participate wherever they live in the state.
"Every dollar you raise will help women fighting breast cancer," Mr Thomas said.
"We all know someone affected by breast cancer, whether it be a friend or a relative.
"This year we're hoping to raise more than $1.8m to provide personalised support services and state-of-the-art equipment to better diagnose and treat patients, as well as investing in life-saving breast cancer research at Mater.
Funds from the event will go towards services and support for breast cancer patients at Mater hospitals in Brisbane, Springfield, Redlands, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg.
Sign up to the Brisbane event here, the Townsville event here or 5K Your Way here.
In Townsville, join the Sea of Pink on Saturday 8 March at Cluden Park Racecourse.
The 5K Your Way challenge allows you to map out your own course in your neighbourhood and complete it at any time between 2-9 March.
