Lending a hand to the fight against breast cancer is a cause close to the heart for Moira Waters, who has been a McGrath Breast Care nurse for over eight years.
Inspired by the families impacted by breast cancer she helps in the Peel region, Ms Waters decided to take her support a step further by going alcohol free for Dry July to raise money for cancer.
"Not only are there health benefits to taking a break from alcohol for a month, it's the least I can do for the amazing people I have the honour of supporting every day," she said.
"Charities have been doing it hard because of COVID-19 and it was some of the things that some people had to let go of at the beginning when we weren't really sure what was happening.
"I thought it was a good opportunity to raise funds because a lot of the face-to-face fundraising had gone on hold or had to be scaled down."
It's good being part of the McGrath team and great to give back.
- Moira Waters
Ms Water's has already smashed through her original fundraising goal of $250, having raised just over $1600 as of Wednesday morning.
"The fundraiser has been going amazingly well. I'm blown away really and I'm really grateful for all the donations I've had from far and wide," she said.
"I set my target for $250 and I think I smashed that before July even started. I've now set my target to $2000."
Money raised by Ms Waters will go towards funding McGrath Breast Care nurses in communities Australia wide.
"I know how important the role is and the McGrath Foundation fund 170 nurses across Australia and it's looking to fund 80 more," Ms Waters said.
"It's not just about funding new nurses it's also about nurses already in positions and keeping those positions going.
"It's good being part of the McGrath team and great to give back. Every dollar will be well spent."
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Ms Waters is just one of the McGrath Breast Care nurses from around the country participating in Dry July this year. McGrath Foundation chief executive Holly Masters said she was extremely proud of the nurses and McGrath Foundation supporters getting involved.
"All day, every day, our inspiring nurses are helping families experiencing breast cancer and it's amazing to then see them stepping up even further by getting involved with Dry July. We are so proud of Moira's commitment and fundraising efforts and thank the community for getting behind her," she said.
"Our McGrath Breast Care nurses provide such a vital service, helping families experiencing breast cancer from diagnosis right throughout treatment.
"It is through fundraising activities like Dry July that we can continue providing this service to people no matter where they live, for free."
To sign up to Dry July and be a 2021 fundraiser, or to donate, visit the Dry July website, registrations are now open, www.dryjuly.com
To donate to Moira Water's fundraiser visit, www.dryjuly.com/users/moira-waters
