McGrath Foundation rallies Australia to 'Rise to the Occasion' for cancer care

McGrath Foundation President & Co-Founder, Glenn McGrath, was today joined at the SCG by patients with a lived experience of cancer – including brain, lung, pancreatic, bowel, sarcoma, breast and blood cancers – who have received the life-changing care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse following the Foundation’s expansion to all cancers just 12 months ago. 

With close to 1 in 2 people in Australia expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime1, the demand for specialist cancer care has never been greater. The McGrath Foundation is urging Australia to dig deep this Pink Test, with its most ambitious fundraising target yet - selling 480,000 Virtual Pink Seats to support 8,000 families experiencing cancer. 

Every Virtual Pink Seat sold helps fund McGrath Cancer Care Nurses, providing free support to people and their families going through cancer – no matter the type. 

“Close to 1 million people in Australia have been diagnosed with some form of cancer in the past decade and the demand for cancer care is greater than ever. With England visiting our backyard and the world watching, we’re calling on everyone to rise to the occasion for all cancers.  

“We’ve set ourselves a big target to sell 480,000 Virtual Pink Seats. And we can’t do it without the support of Australia. Buy your Virtual Pink Seats and help us work towards ensuring no one goes through cancer without the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse.” 

Todd Greenberg, CEO, Cricket Australia, said: “The Pink Test is one of the most powerful and beloved traditions in world sport - a time when rivalry makes way for unity. This NRMA Insurance Pink Test is a chance to come together and rise to the occasion for cancer care, helping the McGrath Foundation continue its vital work of supporting people across Australia experiencing cancer.”  

Holly Masters, CEO, McGrath Foundation, said: “Every year, the Pink Test reminds us of the extraordinary things Australia can achieve when we come together. Our 343 McGrath Cancer Care Nurses have provided specialised, free support to more than 167,000 families across the country since 2005. As we take our care to all cancers, we’re asking Australia to rise with us so every person facing cancer has access to the support they need. Every Virtual Pink Seat counts. 

“We’re incredibly grateful to Cricket Australia and Sydney Cricket Ground for their continued partnership and commitment to making the Pink Test such a powerful force for good.” 

Australian Test Cricketer, Mitchell Starc, said: “Playing in the Ashes is always a privilege and I’m proud of the way our team has come together this series. But the Pink Test in Sydney is something special – it's a chance for all of us to rise for something bigger than cricket, to help families facing cancer. Watching the support for the McGrath Foundation grow every year has been incredible.” 

Kerrie Mather, CEO, Venues NSW, said: “The Sydney Cricket Ground is proud to once again turn pink in support of the McGrath Foundation. The Pink Test is a cherished Sydney new year tradition and a symbol of care and support for people experiencing cancer. Together, we can all rise to the occasion to make sure no one misses out on care.” 

Since 2009, the McGrath Foundation, Cricket Australia and Sydney Cricket Ground have united to make the Pink Test one of the biggest charitable sporting events in the world, raising funds for McGrath Cancer Care Nurses who support families experiencing cancer right around Australia.   

To Rise to the Occasion this Pink Test visit pinktest.com.au for more information on how to purchase Virtual Pink Seats.