Lasting legacy

Hunter awash with pink for special anniversary.

When Milton and Virginia Rigby founded the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation in 1999, they could only have dreamed of the legacy it would create.

Some 25 years later, board president Cath Adams is proud to be delivering on that vision alongside a dedicated team and ‘Pink Army’ of volunteers.

The clinical psycho-oncologist treated Virginia in the late stages of her breast cancer, which about one in seven Australian women and one in 500 men will be diagnosed with in their lifetime.

“She was a pretty inspirational woman; one of the things that brought her a lot of peace was that she’d brought about real change,” Cath reflected.

“Day-to-day things like lawn mowing and kids’ school supplies – these aren’t small things when you’re going through cancer treatment. In my job, that’s what I see people struggle with the most.”

Virginia lost her battle with breast cancer in 2004, while Milton volunteered with the foundation until 2018, driving patients to and from their treatment.

Their values, hopes and dreams for the foundation, however, will continue to drive the organisation for many years to come.

“It’s lovely to be able to continue that legacy for Virginia and Milton and our 25th anniversary is a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate everyone who has
contributed,” Cath added.

“We know we’re not researching a cure; there are other, much smarter people working on that. What we do provide is a place where people can connect with others going through a similar experience, which is incredibly valuable.”

The foundation offers a range of vital support services and programs to about 200 Hunter residents each year who are diagnosed with or receiving treatment for breast cancer, from transport and house cleaning to wigs and lovingly hand-sewn post-op comfort cushions.

Read more in the Spring Edition of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine or subscribe here.

Story by Georgia Osland.