Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation's Vision

"Beating Breast Cancer Together"

Sydney Breast Cancer Foundations mission is to improve the early detection of breast cancer and the quality of life & survival rates of breast cancer patients.

Awareness

SBCF increases awareness of breast cancer by educating the community and encouraging women to be proactive in self-examination through the distribution of breast check shower cards both nationally and internationally. Early detection is vital to increasing survival rates.

Support

SBCF provides support to breast care patients and their families through the provision of information, funding breast cancer nurses, as well as compassionate care funding, and much needed patient support programs within the wider community.

Research

SBCF funds patient focused breast cancer research, including impactful research and fellowships. Research plays a crucial role in reducing the burden of breast cancer by improving prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship outcomes.

Treatment

SBCF provides funding to Breast Units across NSW to help it to provide the best possible treatment and care for patients including funding training and state-of-the-art medical equipment, and wholistic patient programs.

“It’s like a seismic event in their life..., yet they remain positive and demonstrate hope - I am inspired by my patients.”
A/Prof Sanjay Warrier

A/Prof Sanjay's Story »

The Team

Our foundation team of passionate individuals comprises of 8 voluntary Board members, one full-time Foundation Manager, a part-time Event Manager and 5 subcommittee members who also volunteer their valuable time to advise the Foundation.

Annual Report FY22/23

Volunteers

Lynne Crookes OAM Chair

Lynne was firstly diagnosed with breast cancer in 1988 and again in 1995 – having had two mastectomies. She then became committed to the breast cancer cause, originally joining the Golf Day Sub-committee of the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation in 1999 and the main committee in 2001, becoming President for the first time in 2002. In 2005 Lynne was awarded an Order of Australia Medal - OAM – for services to the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation.

Following a few years leave from the Foundation Lynne returned as President in 2015 and retains that position now as Chair of Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation Ltd overseeing the 2022 separation from Chris O’Brien Lifehouse setting up as an independent charity. Lynne, her husband Richard, her family and Richard Crookes Constructions have supported SBCF since 1999 as major sponsors as they devote themselves to the fight against breast cancer. Lynne has been or is currently involved with St Vincent’s Hospital through the Curran Foundation, Mosman Art Gallery and Ngununggula Art Gallery through their Strong Women’s Circle programs. Plus many charities through the Crookes Family Foundation. Lynne has 3 children and 8 grandchildren.

Catherine West Director

Catherine is an experienced non-executive director on the board of three ASX listed boards: Nine Entertainment, Peter Warren Automotive Group and Monash IVF and brings a wealth of knowledge from operating in fast paced consumer businesses impacted by digital disruption in highly regulated industries. Catherine has over 25 years legal, business affairs and strategy experience in the media, entertainment, telecommunications and medical sectors in Australia, the UK and Europe. Catherine is on the board of NIDA and the NIDA Foundation and is the Chair of the Board of Governors of Wenona School. She has a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Sydney University and is a Graduate of the AICD.

Catherine was involved in the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation at its inception and has been on the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation since she returned from the UK in 2016.

Renae Lopez Director

Healthcare Executive for a global organisation, experience in growing businesses, expanding markets and building strategic partnerships through a diverse network. As a director she committed to giving back and driven by a desire to make a difference in the healthcare industry through collaboration, innovation, and challenging the status quo. Dedicated to driving positive change and making an impact on peoples lives.

Deborah West Director

Deborah is Joint Principal and Founder of SydneySlice and a Licensed Estate Agent. Deborah graduated from Sydney University with 1st Class Honours in Economics Law and worked as a Corporate Lawyer for 7 years before founding SydneySlice in 2000.