Chicks in Pink back on Springfield streets for breast cancer survivors

Springfield’s streets will blush pink this March as the Mater Chicks in Pink Fun Run returns, rallying the community to support breast cancer awareness and care.

They are known as the Chicks in Pink, and instead of painting a town red, this group is famous for flooding local streets in a “sea of pink” for an annual cancer awareness fun run.

The Chicks, in their iconic pink T-shirts, will hit the streets of Springfield in March to support breast cancer survivors as part of the Mater Chicks in Pink International Women’s Day Fun Run, organised by Queensland X-ray.

They will run, jog, or walk 5km from Brighton Homes Arena, through Springfield, on Sunday, March 9, to raise crucial funds for breast cancer research, patient services, and life-changing equipment, all while turning the Ipswich town into a hub of hope and solidarity.

With one in four Queensland women diagnosed with breast cancer receiving treatment at a Mater hospital, the demand for resources and support remains immense.

Spearheading the initiative is Mater Private Hospital Springfield breast care nurse Shiralee Bremner, who is urging the community to lace up their running shoes and “think pink”.

“By joining the fun run, participants provide vital support to breast cancer patients in their toughest moments,” Ms Bremner said.

“Whether it’s funding bras, wigs, or additional breast care nurses, every step truly makes a difference.”

Ms Bremner, Springfield’s first breast care nurse, credits community generosity for making her role possible last year through donations to the Mater Foundation.

“I’m so grateful to be doing a job I love, helping women in my own community,” she said.

Breast care nurses play a critical role, assisting patients through hospital appointments, managing treatment side effects, and helping them transition into survivorship.

Mater Foundation chief executive Andrew Thomas praised Springfield’s dedication to the cause.

“Thanks to this community’s incredible support, we’ve been able to provide local breast cancer patients with access to a dedicated nurse close to home,” he said.

“Every dollar raised transforms the lives of those affected by breast cancer now and into the future.”

This year, more than 23,000 participants are expected to take part in the Springfield 5K Your Way event, including virtual runs across the state.

Organisers hope to raise more than $1.8 million and welcome anyone who wishes to join the Sea of Pink fun run.

■ To register, click here

Originally published as Chicks in Pink back on Springfield streets for breast cancer survivors