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Kate Maloney is the captain of the Melbourne Vixens and Australians Diamonds player and has just participated in her third Carman's Fun Run in support of BCNA. BCNA is a cause close to Kate's heart with family and friends that have been affected by breast cancer, she also loves to play in the annual PLAY4BCNA Round with the Melbourne Vixens.

Sarah Jones - Fox Sports presenter, avid runner and Melbourne Vixens fan - enjoys lacing up to get behind BCNA at Carman's Fun Run Melbourne.

This year Sarah ran the 5km with her two daughters to show her support for all Australians affected by breast cancer. Sarah is also a wonderful supporter of the annual BCNA AFL Pink Lady Match through her hosting role with the Fox Footy broadcast each year.

n 2016, at the age of 36, I faced the formidable challenge of Stage 2 Grade 2 Estrogen positive breast cancer. The journey included a lumpectomy, axillary node dissection, chemotherapy, and radiation. Having grown up in a challenging environment, lacking the support of my immediate family, I found solace in the unwavering love of my husband, daughter, son, and the incredible support from friends, particularly a special cousin who stood by me throughout.

Despite the physical and emotional toll, I have participated in Carman's Fun Run four times, achieving a personal best in 2019 – completing the 10km run in 52:48. This year, I am gearing up for the 2024 run, joined by my husband, Chris, running side by side, aiming for another 10km personal best. This event holds deep meaning for me, symbolizing strength, perseverance, and a defiant stance against cancer.

While in remission, I acknowledge the ongoing challenges, both physical and emotional. Yet, my spirit remains unbroken, fueled by a commitment to support not only myself but fellow survivors, those currently in the fight, and those we've lost along the way.

I want to extend a message to my fellow warriors – a breast cancer diagnosis doesn't have to halt your journey. Embrace life, take breaks when needed, push through when possible, and pursue your heart's desires. The fear of recurrence is real, but with each passing year, the "all clear" brings a renewed sense of hope.

As I look forward to participating in more Carman's Fun Runs and dreaming of running marathons around the world, I want to invite you to join me in supporting this cause. Your encouragement and participation matter.

To learn more about my journey and contribute to the cause, please visit my fundraising page

https://carmansfunrun2024.grassrootz.com/bcna/silvana-plizga?tab=donations&utm_source=gr-notification&utm_campaign=DonationNotification&utm_medium=email

We Will Always Love Joy

Carman's Fun Run Team

At the heart of our inspiration to participate in the Carman’s Fun Run, is a remarkable woman named Joy.

In August 2023, our beautiful friend, sister, wife, passed away just 10 weeks after being diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer.

Let us tell you a little bit about this amazing person.

Joy became a seasoned participant in Carman's Fun Run, gracing the event with her presence multiple times. The story of Joy's connection to Carman's Fun Run stemmed from a place of deep personal significance— her beloved mother, Fay, sadly lost her battle with breast cancer when Joy and her sister were still quite young.

Determined to make a difference, Joy became a true advocate, extending her commitment to fundraise to help find a cure to this terrible disease.

In 2018, she posted a heartfelt message on her Instagram, grabbing a friend's fun run pack. In a wonderfully simple act, reflecting her fun-loving spirit, she wrote down her friend's reason for participating in the run: "Because I <Heart> Joy."

As for Joy, her reason for participating was simple and deeply meaningful: "My mum."

Little did the world know that behind those words lay a poignant story of love, loss, and unwavering dedication. Joy wasn't just a participant of a fun run; she was a true gem, and a therapist in fact, dedicating her days to providing support and guidance to those in need. Joy's life had been one of resilience, laughter, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

In her and her beautiful mother, Fay’s memory, we carry the torch forward with "We Love Joy,". Participating in Carman's Fun Run holds even more significance as we honour their magnificent spirits.

Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate the life of our dear friend Joy. We all miss her dearly.

Back in 2020, amidst the challenges of COVID-19, Mel Dineen received a diagnosis of early breast cancer while pregnantwith her third child.Recently, Mel faced another hurdle when she was diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer (HER2+). She’s currently undergoing chemotherapy, with her treatment ahead including a double mastectomy.

Mel has found strength not only in her family but also in her community, including the BCNA Network. Her husband, Stephen, a running coach and osteopath who owns a clinic in Doncaster, rallied a running team called ‘Mel’s Army’ to run at Carman’s Fun Run and support BCNA.

Mel participated in Carman's Fun Run Melbourne in 2025 with her incredible support crew of over 100 runners. Her “Army” stood by her side throughout her breast cancer experience and continue to support all Australians affected by breast cancer.  Mel is excited about the Carman’s Fun Run expanding into Sydney this year.

Jen signed up for Carman’s Fun Run Melbourne as it’s a cause very close to home. First, it was her big sister Jo who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2018. Later, in 2020, Jen was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) breast cancer. Sadly, Jo died in 2024 at the age of 58.

“Jo was the most amazing big sister. She never complained or let on how sick she was and always had a smile on her face – she was my hero.”

“Jo was the first person I called to tell my news, and she just cried and said it was worse than finding out about her own cancer,” Jen says. “Typical Jo, always caring more for others.”

Jo and Jen referred to resources and information on Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) website and supported each other through treatment.  “It’s such a scary thing to go through and having these resources were invaluable,” Jen recalls. “Hearing other people’s stories was so inspiring.”

Jen says she loves Carman’s Fun Run because “the atmosphere and the love you feel at these events is amazing.”

Tahlia was only 11 years old when her mum, Dimmie, was diagnosed with breast cancer on 1 April 2014. When Tahlia arrived home from school that day, and her mum broke the news that she had breast cancer, she felt that her world was torn apart.  

“It was hard seeing my mum stressed and worried, yet all I could do was to be strong and support her through this time,” Tahlia says. “I knew in my heart my mum was a fighter, and we would get through this. She is my life.”

After many radiotherapy sessions, supported by Tahlia and her little brother, Dimmie is now in remission. Dimmie remains on Tamoxifen (medication) and the experience has taken a toll her physical and mental health. Tahlia, her family and friends, ran 10kms at Carman’s Fun Run Melbourne to support her mum and all Australians affected by breast cancer.

Ricky and best mate, Haydn, were fan favourites in the 2024 season of The Block and are often seen wearing our BCNA Pink Tradie vests with hot pink tights. Ricky has several loved ones who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, so was only too happy to sign up for the half marathon at Carman's Fun Run Melbourne. Ricky says he was proud to be part of the day and wants to continue raising awareness of breast cancer and BCNA.

Australia’s much loved Olympic champion, Raelene Boyle, will be an Ambassador for the Carman’s Fun Run 2025. Having being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996 Raelene is a passionate advocate for women and men living with breast cancer and has been a very active board member of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) since 1999.

Raelene represented Australia in track and field at three Olympic Games. She won three Olympic silver medals, seven Commonwealth gold medals and two Commonwealth silver medals. In 1974, Raelene was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her outstanding sporting achievements. She was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2007, in recognition of her work with cancer organisations, particularly Breast Cancer Network Australia. In 2013, she was named in Australia’s Top 100 Sportswomen of All Time.

Raelene is one of the National Trust’s 100 Living Treasures, a member of the Australian Track and Field Hall of Fame and one of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame’s 39 Legends of Australian sport. Raelene was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996.

My Name is Katie, and I was diagnosed with hormone positive Stage 3B breast cancer in 2022, two days after my 27^th birthday. 

I found a small lump when I was trying on bathers before a holiday, but it felt too small to be anything. During a holiday in late January, I noticed it had grown and asked my partner Adam to make sure it wasn’t all in my head. He could feel it too and agreed I should get it checked when we came home. 

When I had the lump checked by my GP, I was told: ‘you’re too young to have breast cancer, it’s probably all in your head.’ Safe to say I didn’t see that doctor again when my results came back. 

So far, I’ve completed 16 rounds of chemotherapy, had two mastectomies and reconstructions, full auxiliary node clearance and I’ve just started my first week of radiation. 

I’m very lucky to have an amazing partner who I could not have done this without, and my family and friends have been my teammates through all of this. Countless grocery runs, lifts to and from appointments, shopping for me when I couldn’t get out of bed, and most important of all… deliveries of Bahn Mi’s and Pepsi max. 

Cancer at any age is scary, but cancer before you’ve had a chance to start a family and tick off some of your bucket list items is even scarier. Having a network of supportive and encouraging family, friends, doctors, specialists is so important to take on cancer and to not only beat it, but to thrive.   

BCNA and breast cancer are no strangers to Ella. As a nurse Ella “has insight into the challenges that come with breast cancer and the importance of emotional support throughout this difficult time,” she says. “I emphasise the importance of early detection to prevent the cancer from spreading elsewhere in the body.”

That took on a more personal meaning when Ella’s mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. Her mum’s diagnosis came as a shock to the family, as she is relatively young and has never experienced any other health concerns.

Ella and her family decided to participate in Carman’s Fun Run Melbourne as “BCNA is an important organisation as it ensures everyone who is affected by breast cancer feels supported and informed throughout their journey”.

“You just never know what is around the corner,” Ella says. “My mum’s breast cancer diagnosis has taught us not to stress about the little things and be grateful for what we’ve got.”

When Andrew’s wife, Janine, was diagnosed with breast cancer diagnosis in December 2019 their approach was to obtain as much information on her options as possible. 

In 2020, Janine underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy treatment. After follow-up scans that September, Janine required further surgery for re-excision of breast cancer margins.     

“Throughout this ordeal, Janine maintained a positive attitude and a forward outlook, planning for the future,” says Andrew. “We settled into a recovery routine and committed ourselves to working towards a common goal of improved health and wellbeing – but we discovered nothing stays the same for long when dealing with a disease like breast cancer.” 

In 2021, following an MRI, Janine was admitted to hospital for immediate neurosurgery to remove several brain tumours. “The initial outlook was positive, but the treatment and the disease took its toll on Janine, and in November, she required hospitalisation and shortly thereafter moved into palliative care,” says Andrew. “In December, just a few days after reaching our 34th wedding anniversary, Janine passed away.”  

Andrew’s team ‘Run for Janine’ join Carman’s Fun Run each year inspired by Janine’s courage and resilience.   Andrew says. “By honouring Janine’s memory and supporting BCNA, I hope to contribute to a cause that is close to my heart and make a difference in the lives of others affected by breast cancer.”