Announcing our Summer Big Hug Box Beneficiary: Metastatic Breast Cancer Australia

When we first announced Metastatic Breast Cancer Action Australia as our Summer Beneficiary we also let you know that there was a special connection between the two organisations.

At The Big Hug Box we like to say that our Big Hug Boxes are more than just a gift, but a way to connect. Today, we thank Founder, Jill Carland as she shares with us know what makes this collaboration so special in memory of one of their strongest supporters Angela Jeffs.

"MBC Action Australia is charity formed to support people in Australia with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).  The best current estimate based on 2024 NSW data is that there are approximately 24000 people living with MBC in Australia. This is much higher than previous estimates and the number manifests the need for specific information, supports and services that reflect the reality of living with an incurable, life limiting cancer. 

Our mission is to improve the lives and health outcomes for women and men living with MBC in Australia. 

 Some of the things we are currently working towards include:

• Connecting people with MBC to trusted information. We aim to share, enhance and help develop resources to ensure the availability of up to date and accurate resources. 
• Ensuring that everyone who wants to can connect with others who understand what it is live to live with MBC, through support groups and peer support. 
• Listening to the needs of the MBC community and their experiences of accessing MBC nurse so we can advocate where needed.  

Angela Jeffs was a Newcastle local and a passionate supporter and founding member of MBC Action Australia. Angela died of metastatic breast cancer in December 2024. One of the nurses at a local clinic Angela attended nominated MBC Action Australia as the recipient for the seasonal giving program run by the Big Hug. We are incredibly grateful for the nomination. 

Angela believed in the importance of connection. She was frustrated that she couldn’t find anyone to talk to who had been diagnosed with de novo MBC. She was frustrated she did not have a local MBC support group to attend. She was frustrated that a local breast cancer exercise program did not include those with MBC. These are the inequities that she focused on addressing while working with MBC Action Australia. And these important issues have informed some of MBC Action Australia’s key priorities. We are committed to driving the change that Angela wanted to see, in particular, to ensuring that anyone with MBC who wishes to connect with someone else is able to do so. Angela, is greatly missed, and we but we will never forget her important contribution to the MBC community."

Donate a Big Hug Box or send directly to a loved one at www.thebighugbox.com. Find out more about MBC Action Australia at www.mbcaction.org.au