The sentiments of Mary Harder were shared with more than 30 women and their support partners who braved a wet Monday to lay a mini-field of women at John Wright Park.

The procession of pink plastic ponchos and umbrellas made its way from Tuncurry Bowling Club to the park where a short service was held and the pink ladies placed into a heart-shaped field.

Mrs Harder said rain wasn’t about to stop her from attending her first ever field of women.

“You can always get dry. You cry enough going through breast cancer so what’s a bit more water.”

Reinforcing the importance of early detection, she said a breast screen saved her life.

Agreeing whole heartedly was fellow survivor, Jennifer Paff, who’s been to several pink women ceremonies after she was diagnosed with cancer for the first time 19 years ago and again seven years later when she was 52.

“Early detection is the main defence we’ve got.”

She said for her the day was about sharing experiences.

“It’s good to be with other women who’ve not long been diagnosed so you can say ‘look at me there’s still life in me and you can make it’.”

She stressed the importance of showing sufferers there can be life after cancer but additionally to recognise those women who have died.

Three white ladies were placed within the field of pink women representing local women, members of support group Breast Friends, who died from breast cancer this year.

Pink Ribbon Day

PINK Ribbon Day is always on the fourth Monday of October. It marks the culmination of breast cancer activities during the month of October. It is recognised as breast cancer’s national day in support of awareness and research, and generates a range of activities with an education and fundraising focus.