Lismore in the pink for breast cancer.
Lismore City Council outdoor staff and others are going pink in support of Council’s Works Depot Technical Officer Carolyn Moynihan who was diagnosed with breast cancer and has undergone a bilateral mastectomy.
While the 50-year-old is now on the road to recovery, the news shocked her colleagues, including and Purchasing Officer Rod Thistleton who came up with the idea of joining the ‘Real Men Wear Pink’ fundraising campaign.
Early on the morning of 30 October, Carolyn watched as around 150 staff donned their new pink workwear and headed out in their trucks.
“I was so moved,” Carolyn said. “Rod had wanted to do something for a while and he found these pink Bisley workshirts online and I thought it was a great idea. Then it just got bigger and bigger.
"You’d be surprised how many of the boys dropped in to check if I was okay or sent me cards following my diagnosis. They’ve been fantastic and so supportive. We’re like a big family.”
Council’s ‘Real Men Wear Pink’ effort has raised more than $1600 for the Breast Cancer Foundation. Through Totally Workwear, Bisley donated $3 for every shirt sold and staff dipped deep into their own pockets to raise further funds.
“We’re very visible out there in the field and we’re proud to be supporting the cause,” Rod said.
“I reckon 75 per cent of our blokes have had experience with cancer in some way and all the outdoor guys who know Carolyn were really touched by what she has gone through.
"We are in awe of how strong and positive she has been and many of us don’t think we would have handled something like that with such grace. We all have the greatest respect for her.
“Today was a real show of solidarity with Carolyn and all women who are affected by breast cancer."
