MIA Cassin has celebrated five years of being cancer free by hosting the second annual Shire PINK lunch.
All 260 tickets to the October 2 event sold out. Among supporters were TV host Luke Jacobz, who was MC, and McGrath Foundation director Tracy Bevan, who gave a moving talk about the organisation's work and the need to be breast aware.
Ms Cassin, of Miranda, was diagnosed with breast cancer at 41. After the "fight of her life", which included surgery to remove 20 lymph nodes, two rounds of aggressive chemotherapy and radiation therapy, she was told she had beaten the disease.
"After going through breast cancer treatment and learning first-hand the value of our chosen charities, I vowed that when I was fully recovered I would do my best to make a difference in the lives of others going through the same journey," Ms Cassin said.
She and Mara Martinic, of Woolooware, held the first Shire PINK Lunch, which raised $20,000 for the McGrath Foundation and Joanne Mackay Breast Cancer Foundation. This year's event at Summer Salt Restaurant, Cronulla, raised $30,000, thanks in part to sponsors BMW Sylvania, Tribe Social Fitness, Bangor Tavern, Dr Saras & Co, Sanders Property Agents, Nova Entertainment and Daily Press.
They are planning an "even bigger and better event" for 2016, Ms Martinic said.
Details/donations: joannemackayfoundation.org; mcgrathfoundation.com.au