Newcastle bussies get on board the ‘pink’ bus

From Margaret Panell

When one of our female bus operators, Kylee Stewart, was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2011 her friends and colleagues from Newcastle Buses were in shock.

Kylee is 41 years old and has 2 small children, the youngest was only 10 months old. Staff from both depots rallied to help Kylee and her partner Mick Jurd (also a bus operator) in whatever way they could. To help support them, they cooked meals, helped with the house work, baby sat the kids and raised money to purchase a clothes dryer.

One bus operator, Karen Liston accompanied Kylee to appointments when Mick could not be there. Karen even stayed at the house to allow Mick to visit Kylee in Hospital.

Kylee underwent a mastectomy, followed by intensive chemotherapy. Kylee lost her hair but managed to keep her sense of humour, always has a ready smile and a positive attitude. Kylee has resumed her part time bus operator shift and her hair is slowly starting to grow back.

We thought the worst was over but there was more to come. Karen Liston, who had been so supportive through Kylee’s treatment, was herself diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2011. Again the troops rallied. Karen had just turned 53, has 3 grown children and 3 grand children.

After 2 operations, Karen was given the all clear and was spared chemotherapy but needs to undergo radiation therapy to ensure the cancer does not return.

Both ladies were fit, strong and otherwise healthy women.

For Breast Cancer Awareness month we decided to hold a “Pink Day” on Thursday 20^th October to raise money for breast cancer research and, just as importantly to raise awareness with our female employees in regard to early detection with breast screening.

It was a fun day with pink cakes, lollies, toffees, drinks and pink ribbon merchandise on sale. $860 was raised between the 2 depots. Staff had approval to wear pink so there was pink hair, ties, t-shirts, hats and even a pink tutu.

Nerida Walker from Hunter Breast Screen attended Pink Day to promote women over 40 having regular breast screening. 11 Newcastle Buses female bus operators made appointments to have mammograms on Monday 24^th October, which is officially Pink Ribbon Day.

On Monday morning we decorated a “pink bus” to transport these women to their appointments. For 8 of these women this was their first mammogram so going as a group was less daunting for them.

One of these ladies has already been called back for a second round of tests and thankfully was given the all clear.

Kylee’s and Karen’s attitude during their illness has been an inspiration to all the staff at Newcastle Buses and it’s comforting to know that 11 more of our girls have been screened.

We urge all women to book in for a mammogram as soon as they turn 40. FREECALL 13 20 50 or you can find your closest Breast Screen service here. It may save your life.