Philanthropy, breast cancer survival stories and an air of positive thinking, and hope, were all protagonists at the morning tea organised and hosted by Greek Australian Mayor of Whittlesea Mary Lalios and the three local Victorian Labor party members of parliament, Jenny Mikakos, Bronwyn Halfpenny and Lily D’Ambrosio.

The morning tea, the third to have been hosted in the area, was attended by 200 people and raised $5,200, which will be pledged to the National Breast
Cancer Foundation. The money will fund vital research in finding a cure for the deadly disease.

Aside from its fundraising character, the event was also part of a concerted effort on behalf of the local government to encourage women to visit their doctors and have a mammogram, as accordingly current statistics within the City of Whittlesea show below average rates of preventative measures like mammograms.

Throughout the event one breast cancer community activist, Sofia Mastoris, shared her personal story as a breast cancer survivor for over 20 years now. She highlighted her positive attitude as the catalyst to beating the disease not once but twice.

Breast cancer did not only help Sofia develop a more positive perspective about life, but also propelled her community’s awareness as she undertook volunteer positions at the Peter Mac hospital to comfort, support and help women who undergo treatment.

Anna Kostakos, who runs the Northern Cancer Support group and helps cancer victims and their carers, together with those who have lost loved ones, told those present about a new program she is currently running to help men who have lost their wives to cancer master their skills in the kitchen. Anna also referred to her own personal encounter with the disease as she had lost her mum and dad to aggressive cancers.