Hundreds of HMAS Cerberus personnel recently came together in support of a cause close to the heart of one of its members.
Officers and sailors gathered for a Pink Ribbon morning tea, held at The Navy's Anchorage 'Millies' Cafe on October 31, to raise awareness and funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
The event was organised by Petty Officer Belinda Rendell, who was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer in April 2024.
The morning tea was a success, raising more than $2000 and providing members of all genders with knowledge about checking for breast cancer.
The Navy's Anchorage and several local businesses generously supported by donating a spread of pink-themed food, refreshments and raffle prizes.
Petty Officer Rendell gave a personal and moving address to guests, sharing her story and experiences to help benefit other Navy members.
Funds raised will be donated directly to NBCF, Australia's leading not-for-profit organisation funding world-class breast cancer research.
Petty Officer Rendell spoke about her diagnosis and fight against breast cancer.
"My journey started when I discovered a lump and went for an ultrasound," she said.
"Things moved very quickly, starting with surgery, then six months of chemotherapy, five weeks of radiation therapy, and now, several years of hormone therapy.
"It's been the fight of my life, and now I want to give something back to NBCF, and to my Navy family who have supported me this far."
Cerberus Command Warrant Officer Dayle Lovell supported Petty Officer Rendell to run the event.
"The event was amazing, and we are so proud of Belinda's efforts," Warrant Officer Lovell said.
"I think everyone took away a greater awareness of breast cancer and its impacts [on] people all across society.
"Lots of people walked away committed to self-checking regularly, which is a great result."
'Service personnel are usually so fit, healthy and busy, that we often don't take the time to think about or conduct checks like this.'
NBCF's vision is to achieve zero deaths from breast cancer by funding the best in biological and clinical breast cancer research in Australia. The organisation is completely community-funded, relying on donations such as those from the Cerberus morning tea.
Since 1994, the breast cancer death rate has reduced in Australia by 40 per cent.
However, in the past 10 years, diagnoses have risen by 21 per cent and deaths are on the rise. This year, more than 21,000 Australians will be diagnosed with, and 3300 will die from, breast cancer around the country.
"I'm determined to raise breast cancer awareness among Cerberus and wider Navy personnel," Petty Officer Rendell said.
"It is so important to be breast aware, to detect cancer as early as possible and increase chances of survival.
"Breast aware means taking the time to become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, checking regularly, including all parts of the breast, the armpit and up to the collar bone.
"Service personnel are usually so fit, healthy and busy, that we often don't take the time to think about or conduct checks like this.
"I was fit and healthy, and had a clear mammogram and ultrasound the previous year, so it can happen quite quickly to anyone - not just women, but men too."
Commanding Officer Cerberus Captain Ben Favelle said he was proud of Petty Officer Rendell for her determination and for looking out for her shipmates.
"Belinda is an inspirational senior sailor, woman and mother," Captain Favelle said.
"The fact that she is so focused on sharing her experiences with, and seeking to protect other Navy members, is a credit to her resilience and humanity."
