Professionals real estate offices across Australia will turn pink in October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a cause close to the hearts of the entire network that has raised more than $4.2 million for research.

Professionals is a proud Diamond Partner of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and for the past 19 years a portion of every property sale across the country, combined with fundraising, has supported the research charity’s goal of zero deaths.

Long-time Professionals agency principal and Board member Brian Brady was one of the instigators behind the network’s decision to become a major charity partner of NBCF, Australia’s leading breast cancer research group.

Brian, the principal at Professional Everton Park on Brisbane’s northside, said several charities were under consideration by the Professionals in 2004 but NBCF stood out.

“At that time the types and strains of breast cancer were out of control and the women affected were getting worse not better,’’ Brian said.

“I was so impressed by what the charity was doing, how their money was being spent to advance research and the commitment of their team. I knew NBCF would be a great fit for the Professionals.’’

But six years into Professionals’ sponsorship, the cause turned very personal for Brian.

“In 2010 my wife Mel was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer that had spread into her lymph nodes,’’ he said. “When this happened the youngest of our three children was only 18 months old.

“Everyone at Professionals got firmly behind us but it was a poignant moment for the company already heavily involved in NBCF. The feeling was ‘okay, this is personal now, you’ve touched one of our own.’

“Unfortunately, breast cancer doesn’t discriminate and since Mel’s diagnosis I have seen it touch many others in Professionals, the wider real estate industry, clients and our local communities.’’

After a long and determined fight with ill health, Mel is doing well. “She’s great, it’s been nothing short of a miracle from that bleak initial prognosis we received 13 years ago,’’ Brian said.

Mel and Brian continue to support others affected by breast cancer.

“I often get asked to speak to husbands after a partner’s diagnosis. They can be powerful men who just crumble. They suddenly realise they can’t control the situation and don’t have a quick fix,’’ Brian said.

“I like to think I can share our experiences with other men to help them be the best versions of themselves and put their situation into some perspective. It’s something I love to do.

“The progress NBCF has made in the past two years alone is nothing short of jaw dropping.

“NBCF’s goal of zero deaths is not a platitude, I really believe it’s achievable. They are curing women who are going on to have cancer-free futures.

“The funds Professionals has provided is allowing the research team to make a real difference. I truly treasure our relationship with the charity.’’

Professionals CEO Katherine Gonzalez-Cork said the entire network was absolutely committed to its Diamond Partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

“Ingrained in the foundations of Professionals is a culture of giving back and that’s why we have been long-term partners with NBCF, providing over $4.2 million over the course of almost two decades,’’ Ms Gonzalez-Cork said.

“Our financial support continues on a daily basis through donations from every sale in addition to local office fundraising initiatives and national events such as Professionals International Conference, golf days and Pink Ribbon breakfasts.

“We are proud to be a long-standing partner of NBCF.’’

During October fundraising events will be held in all Professionals offices, with the group’s website going pink to raise awareness.

To support NBCF’s research go to: https://give.nbcf.org.au/professionals/