JackJumpers help Tassie Turn Teal for Ovarian Cancer Support

The Tasmania JackJumpers are proud to announce the next home game at MyState Bank Arena on February 28 will be the club’s ‘Teal Game’ supporting local gynaecological cancer foundation, S.H.E [Support, Hope, Education].

The club will hold a range of fundraising and awareness activities in the lead up to and as part of the blockbuster game against the Perth Wildcats including a Wellness Centre on the Arena concourse, at MyState Bank Arena with angel massages and teal nail painting, a pregame fundraising and awareness function in the ‘Teal Lounge’ (usually the Splendid Gin Emerald Lounge), fundraising stickers for sale among other initiatives supported by SRT Logistics.

“We’re really proud to partner with S.H.E, a local organisation who are doing an incredible amount of work to support women with gynaecological cancers” CEO Simon Brookhouse said.

“We’re really looking forward to uniting and educating our playing group and fans about this important cause in the lead up to our ‘Teal Game’”.

S.H.E raises awareness of the prevalence, detection and severity of gynaecological diseases.

“It’s important that we use the platform and engagement we have to help raise awareness for organisations like S.H.E to educate our community and raise funds to support those suffering” Brookhouse said.

Tasmania JackJumpers is also helping to ‘Turn Tassie Teal’ for the month of February which is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, with several partners committing to lighting up their workplace in the colour teal or hold fundraising events for S.H.E, and urging the wider business community to do the same.

JackJumpers partners University of Tasmania and Wrest Point will light up their buildings in teal during the last week of February. The home of the Tasmania JackJumpers, MyState Bank Arena will also turn teal on February 28 in support of S.H.E.

Metro Tasmania will again provide free bus services from Rosny Park, Glenorchy, Hobart CBD, Kingston and Wrest Point to the game. Metro will be donating $1 for every passenger that catches the free bus to the game on 28 February to S.H.E. Visit the Metro website for timetables and details.

The cause holds special significance to the organisation as Tasmania JackJumpers Board Member, Scott Harris is Chair of the S.H.E. foundation, following his wife Jo’s battle with Stage 4 Ovarian cancer.

“When Jo was diagnosed, our world including our teenage sons’ lives were turned upside down” S.H.E Chair Scott Harris said.

“There is such an apparent lack of understanding of gynaecological cancers that so many women in our lives are suffering with. We are absolutely delighted that the JackJumpers are throwing their weight behind awareness and fundraising efforts.

“Our dream at S.H.E is to launch a purpose-built cancer wellness centre in the centre of Hobart located directly in the hospital precinct. This centre will provide a space for Tasmanian cancer sufferers and their families at a time when they need it most

“It’s a long-term vision but partnerships like this do bring it closer to becoming a reality.

“We’re thrilled that people are talking more, wanting to be educated about the EARLY detection and cancers themselves and also recognising we can do so much more to support women and their families” Harris said.

Over 1500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year and shockingly, the 5-year survival rate is just 48%.

Jo Harris presented to the playing and coaching group at practice last week, telling her moving story about her diagnosis and treatment journey, and the impact it has had on her family including her teenage sons.

“While our players will never experience these cancers themselves, it’s important that they’re educated about the staggering statistics and are equipped to support the females in their life” Brookhouse said.

“Our off-court team is also female-dominated led by the NBL’s first sole female Chair Keryn Nylander and Commercial General Manager Christine Finnegan, and many of our staff have been directly or indirectly affected by these insidious diseases”.

“We want to be a key voice in advocating for all Tasmanians and uniting our community” Brookhouse said.

Supporters can donate directly to S.H.E at https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/shegynaetas or on game night.