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The hunt is on for a designer for next year’s Mother’s Day Classic bandana, worn by thousands of participants as they walk or run in support of breast cancer research in May.
Professional and amateur designers, as well as any supporter of the Mothers Day Classic, are encouraged to enter via the official Mothers Day Class Bandana Facebook page sponsored by ME Bank.
The Facebook competition is open until 13 September 2013, with the top 10 most popular bandana designs based on public votes shortlisted for the final honour of being selected as the official 2014 bandana.
Network 9 Newsreader Jo Hall, artist Lisa Sewards and breast cancer survivor Annette Sparks have joined the call for designers of all levels and skill to submit their designs to be considered for the 2014 Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) bandana.
Annette Sparks was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2011 at the age of 42, her sister had been diagnosed with breast cancer a year earlier at the age of 43 and is having a bilateral mastectomy in the next month. Annette’s older sister aged 47 has just had a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and both of her paternal and maternal grandmothers suffered from breast cancer at a young age.
Her daughter, now 7, will need to be tested in her twenties and this is a real driving force for Annette and her involvement in the MDC. Annette says “I want to do everything I can for my daughter, so we don’t have to make these kinds of decisions in the future.”
Annette’s treatment involved – chemo, bilateral mastectomy, radiation and ongoing drug treatment for the next 5 years, so she is very aware of the ongoing need for research and better treatment options.
Jo Hall is arguably Melbourne’s most distinguished and experienced female television reporter and presenter. She has forged a career in front of and behind the camera for 32 years and presented the Nine News weekend bulletins for the past 13 years. Jo Hall is an integral member of the Nine News team, mentoring and assisting young journalists coming through the network. Jo’s off-air interests branch deeper into the community, as she regularly undertakes duties for breast cancer charities.
“I wanted to be involved with the Mother’s Day Classic because, as with so many of us, I have been touched by breast cancer. I’ve experienced the journey from diagnosis to remission with two of my girlfriends,” said Jo Hall.
“Cancer sufferers and their families and friends need to feel they are not alone, that they have the support and commitment from the broader community, the Mother’s Day Classic is a fantastic avenue for this.”
Melbourne artist Lisa Sewards drew on personal experience to design last year’s bandana and is encouraging people to get involved in this year’s design competition saying “wearing a bandana is symbolic of home and strength; it makes us united as a community.”
Annette Sparks said “The support of community is really important. The breast cancer cause has been well supported by high profile individuals which has meant that the community awareness has well and truly been raised and supported”
“Women are amazing at getting behind those suffering from breast cancer. The survival rates wouldn’t be what they are today if it wasn’t for the support of the community. Treatment has improved as a result of this, so it’s very important to get behind the cause. Everyone will be touched by cancer at some stage in their life.”
The Facebook competition is open until 13 September 2013 with the winning bandana available for purchase in the lead up to the 2014 event, with 100 per cent of the proceeds donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). ME Bank will also donate an $1,000 to the NBCF on behalf of the winning designer.