AFLW Geelong Cat Annabel Johnson named new ambassador for Breast Cancer Network Australia

AFLW Geelong Cat Annabel Johnson has been announced as the new ambassador for Breast Cancer Network Australia – a cause close to her heart.

Geelong Cat AFLW player Annabel Johnson is a new ambassador for Breast Cancer Network Australia. Picture: Alan Barber

AFLW Geelong Cat Annabel Johnson has been announced as the new ambassador for Breast Cancer Network Australia – a cause close to her heart.

Johnson said she had lost two family members to the disease – her grandmother and aunt.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Australia, with one in seven woman diagnosed in their lifetime.

Johnson said her grandmother’s death in 2012, after a long battle with the illness, had a profound effect on the family.

“The impact that had on my mum, and my family has kind of shaped the person I’ve become,” she said.

Geelong Cat AFLW player Annabel Johnson. Picture: Alan Barber

This personal experience of the disease meant that when Johnson had the chance to become an ambassador for BCNA, a not-for-profit organisation that supports Australians affected by breast cancer, she jumped at it.

Johnson said BCNA was a crucial organisation, supporting and honouring people who have fought the disease, and their loved ones.

“Rather than just the individual, it’s the whole family that’s impacted, and not just for a small amount of time – for a really, really long time,” she said.

“There’s a lot of struggling behind closed doors … so bringing awareness, and honouring those people that have had to fight such a terrible disease, that’s really powerful.”

On August 20, the iconic BCNA Pink Lady will be formed out of about 10,000 people donning pink and blue ponchos on the ground at the MCG.

The event, the sixth Field of Women, will take place before the Melbourne, Hawthorn Pink Lady football match.

All ticket sales and virtual donations will go to BCNA to support those affected by breast cancer.

For more information visit pinkladymatch.com.au/

Originally published as AFLW Geelong Cat Annabel Johnson named new ambassador for Breast Cancer Network Australia