Purple Bra Day: Eagles great, grand final ambassador Glen Jakovich calls on West Aussies to support fundraiser

Charlotte EltonThe West Australian
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Camera IconAmid the grand final fever, Glen Jakovich wants West Aussies to remember another important upcoming event — Purple Bra day.

Perth’s been swept up in grand final fever. But 2021 AFL premiership cup ambassador Glen Jakovich wants West Aussies to remember another important upcoming event too — Purple Bra day.

Purple Bra day — Friday September 24 — is Breast Cancer Care WA’s largest annual fundraiser. This year, the appeal has already raised more than $115,000 of its $200,000 goal.

Mr Jakovich has been an avid supporter of the cause for years.

“Breast cancer affects all of us,” he said.

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“Every year we meet new victims, people in the plight of their life, in the middle of a major fight and struggle, they need resources and support.

“We’re all duty bound to support them.”

Camera IconGlen Jakovich has urged West Aussies to support Purple Bra Day. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

The four-time Eagles club champion has taken part in the Purple Bra Day walk — a march through Perth decked out in the signature purple bra.

“I thought it was one of the most daunting things I could do,” he said.

“And when I did it, I just realised what a fool I was.

“There were so many great people who did it. And I thought ‘Gee, this is pretty powerful.”

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with approximately 55 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer every single day. This adds up to more than 20,000 diagnoses per year, with one in seven women facing the disease at some point in their lives.

Nine Australians die of breast cancer every single day.

However, early intervention can massively boost survival chances. The average five-year survival rate for stage one breast cancer is 100 per cent. For stage four breast cancer, the five-year survival rate is just 32 per cent.

The purple bra day event raises both money and awareness, Mr Jakovich said.

“If intervention comes in early, then we can trap this insidious disease, and save lives,” he said.

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