WEST Coast forward Ben McKinley spoke about his experience with cancer to demonstrate how almost everyone is or has been affected by the disease, at the Dig Deep campaign launch at Subiaco Oval recently.
“My pa died of bowel and bladder cancer when I was 18 and he had never been sick before, so it was a massive shock,” McKinley said.
“The sad truth is that cancer affects most people in the community and unfortunately I am one of them.”
The campaign runs until July 12.
West Coast’s home fixture against St Kilda on July 12 will be tagged Dig Deep Day and will raise money for cancer research and to support new initiatives.
Cancer Council WA chief executive Susanne Rooney said research was critical to move forward and find ways to prevent the disease and improve the outcomes for cancer patients.
“This consists of providing accommodation for country patients, home aid, financial support and counselling and education programs,” Ms Rooney said.
The Eagles have raised more than $400,000 for the charity in the past five years.