Kris Langhorn was 19-years-old when she found a lump on her breast. She was embarrassed. She was scared. But she decided it was too great a risk to ignore given her family history of breast cancer. So she had the lump removed.
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That's why wearing pink on Saturday has extra importance to Langhorn. It's a reminder of her story, but also a way to remember her grandmother, who died after a battle with breast cancer.
Basketball ACT will raise funds for the McGrath Foundation through donations and ticket sales for Waratah League double-header, with Longhorn's Canberra Nationals to play the Penrith Panthers.
The now 32-year-old said the fundraiser is a great way to get the message about breast cancer out to the community.
"We're hoping for a sea of pink and get as many people at the stadium," Langhorn said.
"It's important to raise awareness and show people that we care and are behind each and every person.
"It's really important to acknowledge the families who are currently going through chemotherapy or have just been diagnosed or have beaten cancer but still have that unawareness of what could happen in their future.
"Women [need to] get to know their bodies and what different things are meant to feel like and not to be scared to go see their general practitioner if they have any issues or concerns."
Langhorn regularly has medical check-ups to make sure there's no abnormalities or other concerns in her breast region. One of her family friends was recently diagnosed with cancer but managed to beat it early.
"There's still a concern around making sure she's managing her body, signs and symptoms and what her future looks like as well," Langhorn said.
"I'm especially going to be playing for her and my grandmother this weekend."
Langhorn said the cause gives the team confidence to step out in front of 'the sea of pink' and take their fifth-straight win of the season.
"This initiative is giving us motivation to be able to come out, play hard and do our very best," Langhorn said. "We're so motivated to show the league what we are about and also raise awareness for the McGrath Foundation.
"We struggled last time we played Penrith but we've come off a few really good wins and we're hoping to expand on that."
NSW WARATAH LEAGUE: PINK ROUND
Saturday: Canberra Nations v Penrith Panthers, 5pm at Belconnen Basketball Stadium. Canberra Gunners v Penrith Panthers follows at 7pm.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
