Dublin, 1st September 2017: This October, generous companies are going pink with a purpose by becoming Pink Patrons for the Marie Keating Foundation. Marks & Spencer, bb’s bakers + barristas, Pigsback, Skechers, Stella & Dot, V Claire Natural Cosmetics, Pledge Watches and Bellamianta Tan are all helping to raise funds for the Marie Keating Foundation’s fight against breast cancer. The Marie Keating Foundation’s Pink Patrons are also helping to spread awareness about how women can help to reduce their risk of breast cancer and be breast aware, as each year approximately 3,200 women in Ireland are diagnosed with this disease and this number continues to rise.
Funding raised from the Pink Patron campaign will help the Marie Keating Foundation to continue to run services such as its mobile information units which visit schools, community centres and workplaces around Ireland every day and focus on breast cancer during October. Funds will also help support the Foundation’s Positive Living programme which provides support for the specific emotional and practical needs of people with metastatic cancer.
The Marie Keating Foundation’s Pink Patrons include:
Powering Pink Duck Race: Support women with breast cancer and raise awareness for metastatic breast cancer by sponsoring a pink rubber duck which will swim in the Powering Pink Duck Race in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation. The ducks can be adopted for €4, with all proceeds going directly to the Marie Keating Foundation’s breast cancer programmes and services. Each of the sponsored pink rubber ducks will be numbered and cast into the River Liffey on the 29th of October 2017 with the owner of the first duck to cross the finish winning a weekend break for two in the five star Conrad Hotel in Dublin. Pfizer have generously donated €1 for every duck sponsored. To sponsor a duck, visit www.mariekeating.ie/ducks
Marks & Spencer: M&S have worked with the Marie Keating Foundation to create a range of pretty, comfortable and supportive post-surgery bras. M&S will donate 10% from every product in the post-surgery range to the Marie Keating Foundation to support critical research into breast cancer.
bb’s bakers + baristas: The Raspberry & White Choc (Limited Edition Muffin) at bb’s bakers + baristas means that you can have a generous helping of fabulous, fruity raspberry flavours all while helping the Marie Keating Foundation in the fight against breast cancer. bb’s bakers + baristas is donating 25 cent from the sale of each Raspberry & White Choc Muffin sold during October to the cancer charity. Available nationwide from the 2nd to the 29th of October 2017.
Pigsback: Pigsback are holding their annual Pigsback 5k and 10k in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation at 10am on Sunday, 15th of October 2017 in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Registration for the chip-timed event is €20 for the 5km event and €25 for the 10km event with a family ticket costing €50. There will be medals for all finishers, entertainment, goody bags and lots of prizes. All proceeds will go to fund the charity’s life-saving work in breast cancer awareness and services. For more, see www.mariekeating.ie/events.
Skechers: For each pair of limited edition YOU by Skechers shoes sold, €5 will be donated to the Marie Keating Foundation to support breast cancer services. The navy and white shoes are available at Skechers stores nationwide. The limited edition YOU by Skechers shoes are available in both slip-on and lace-up styles.
Stella & Dot: Stella & Dot are launching the Wishing Bracelet – Fortitude (€22) ; the Wishing Necklace- Rose Gold (€40) ; and the Pink Champagne Pouf (€25), signature accessories dedicated to supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. For each accessory purchased from 28th of September – 31st October 2017, all net proceeds of eligible customer purchases will benefit the Marie Keating Foundation. Available from www.stelladot.eu.
V Claire Natural Cosmetics: Treat a loved one with an exclusive ‘hot pink’ gift set from V Claire Natural Cosmetics. Containing 100% natural and organic Acorelle perfume to soothe emotions and restore balance and a Phyt’s nourishing lip balm. With over €8 (38%) of the sale of the set going directly to the Marie Keating Foundation to help raise much needed funds for the battle against breast cancer. Think pink, feel hot this October! To buy your giftset today log on to https://mariekeating.ie/product/vclairepinkpatrongiftset/.
Pledge Watches: The pink watch with a pink ribbon on its watch face, as worn by Mrs. Brown, is a dedicated Marie Keating Foundation watch created by Pledge Watches. €5 from the sale of each watch is donated to the Marie Keating Foundation but more importantly the wearer gets to promote, talk about breast cancer awareness and draw attention to the cause. It may not be your everyday watch, and could be worn every year for the month of October to show you care. Visit www.pledgewatches.com for details.
Bellamianta Tan: Bellamianta are delighted to support the Marie Keating Foundation in the fight against cancer. With the launch of their new “Crystal Clear Rapid Self – Tanning mousse” it’s the perfect opportunity to help make a difference. Bellamianta Tan are donating 50 cent from the sale of each “Crystal Clear Rapid Self-Tanning Mousse” to the foundation. Bellamianta Luxury tanning products contain only clean, nontoxic ingredients that help to nourish your skin whilst giving you a beautiful natural golden olive glow. Available online and from stockists nationwide. To find your nearest stockist visit www.bellamianta.com.
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Linda Keating, Director of Fundraising, the Marie Keating Foundation, said, “We are so thankful to all our Pink Patron Partners for joining us in our fight against breast cancer. All funds raised are much needed by the Foundation to support our breast cancer services that we to the people of Ireland free of charge”.
About one in four cases of breast cancer is preventable so the funds raised by the Pink Patron campaign will help the Marie Keating Foundation reach more communities, workplaces, shopping centres and colleges to talk about breast cancer prevention and early detection. The funds will also help us support women already on a breast cancer journey, whether they are currently dealing with the disease or adjusting to life as a survivor.”
It is not too late to become a Pink Patron for the Marie Keating Foundation. Interested organisations can contact the Marie Keating Foundation on 01 628 3728.
Breast cancer in Ireland
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in Ireland. Every year around 3,200 cases are diagnosed. The number of breast cancer cases being diagnosed increases each year. According to the National Cancer Registry of Ireland there are more than 33,500 women living with breast cancer in Ireland. Around 690 women die each year from breast cancer in Ireland. It is the 2nd most common cause of cancer death in women (after lung cancer).
Breast cancer is most common in women from 50 years onwards but it can be diagnosed at a younger age. 1 in 10 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Early detection saves lives. If you catch breast cancer when it is in its early stages, it is easier to treat. Become breast aware so you know what looks and feels normal for your breasts and check your breasts monthly for any changes. See your GP straight away if you notice any changes. It is unlikely to be cancer but it is only be speaking to your GP that you can be sure.
Metastatic breast cancer is the most advanced stage of breast cancer, also known as Stage VI, where the cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body, typically the bones, liver, brain, or lungs. There is currently no cure for metastatic breast cancer. However, there are treatments available to help delay the progression of the disease. To help women with metastatic breast cancer live full and active lives, the Marie Keating Foundation run a series of free Positive Living courses. The next meeting is Friday, 15th September at 1pm in Nancy Hands Restaurant, 30-32 Park Gate Street, Dublin 8. The theme will be ‘Talking to friends & family about the illness.’ Book your place by clicking here.
