Queenslanders have raised $1.7 million to fight breast cancer despite the cancellation of the iconic Mater Chicks in Pink International Women's Day Fun Run earlier this month due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The state's biggest breast cancer fund-raising event instead saw thousands turn their neighbourhoods pink by participating in the virtual 5K Your Way event.
Another 5000 people joined local fun runs in communities across Queensland, including Townsville, Rockhampton, Mackay and Bundaberg.
The Mater Chicks in Pink International Women's Day Fun Run, presented by Queensland X-Ray supports the 20,000 Australian women who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said the $1.7 million would support breast cancer services, equipment and research.
"Cyclone Alfred disrupted our plans, but nothing could stop the determination of Queenslanders to support breast cancer patients," Mr Thomas said.
"Across our state, people hit the streets of their towns and suburbs to remember the women who have lost their lives to breast cancer – and to celebrate the women who have beaten breast cancer too."
One of the event's biggest fundraising teams this year were two Brisbane 'breasties', Juliet Bryant and Jo Gregory, who generated more than $46,000 from supporters.
Both women were diagnosed with breast cancer last year and hit the streets on 15 March with their team – 'Juliet and Jo's Boobie Crew'.
The pair work together at Kelvin Grove State College and said their battle with breast cancer inspired them to help other women in similar situations.
"I have had childhood friends die of breast cancer and my sister has beaten breast cancer," Mrs Bryant said
"We want to help women we may never meet, but who will go through a similar journey to us.
"If I can help a woman who I don't even know, how fab is that?"
Mrs Bryant recently underwent her 14th chemotherapy treatment since her diagnosis in October, which came just days after her 50th birthday.
Mrs Bryant, from Ashgrove, tested positive for the BRCA 1 gene. Her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of just 24.
"I am one of four girls in my family. After my sister was diagnosed, we all got tested, two sisters were negative and two were positive – I was the other positive one," she said.
"We have always been vigilant with breast screening and I guess my sisters' diagnosis saved me in a way.
"Because I have the gene, I had my ovaries out at 40 to prevent it spreading.
"My breast cancer was not picked up in my annual mammogram, rather a routine annual MRI due to my BRCA1+ and careful screening.
"Doctors discovered I had triple negative invasive breast cancer and said they got to it early due to having that MRI."
In May, the mum-of-three will undergo a double mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction.
Mrs Gregory was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in July and has been a sounding board to Mrs Bryant, her colleague, friend, and now 'breastie'.
She has undergone a lumpectomy, 16 rounds of chemotherapy and has this month started radiation treatment for six weeks, followed by another six months of chemotherapy.
"I participated in the Mater Breast Cancer Fun Run not just as a form of exercise, but as a deeply personal journey of strength and resilience," she said.
"Having faced breast cancer myself, I understand the emotional and physical challenges that come with this diagnosis. The experience has reshaped my perspective on life, community, and the importance of support.
"I wanted to honour not just my own journey but also the countless others who have battled breast cancer."
