A LOCAL charity founded in honour of beloved local basketballer Tiana Mangakahia is calling on the community to rally behind young women facing breast cancer, with a major fundraising event set to take place next month.
Tough4T, established by the late Tiana’s mother Cynthia, provides direct financial assistance to women under 40 undergoing breast cancer treatment, helping cover everyday essentials such as groceries, fuel, hospital parking and other costs that quickly add up during months of care.
The charity’s mission is rooted in Tiana’s own journey, which inspired thousands across Australia and the US.
Tiana, who grew up in the Redlands and first played basketball at the PCYC Capalaba, rose to international prominence at Syracuse University before returning home to the WNBL.
Her courage through multiple diagnoses, treatment and her eventual passing in 2025 at just 30 left a profound impact on the community.
“Cancer does scare me but not living life to its full potential scares me even more,” she said, a message that continues to guide Tough4T’s work.
To continue her legacy, Tough4T is hosting a Pink Walk on Saturday, September 12 at Bunnings Capalaba Park.
The charity hopes to see families, friends, sporting clubs and even pets turn the park pink in support of young women navigating one of the toughest periods of their lives.
Registration is $20 per person or $50 per family, with prizes for best dressed pink outfit and best dressed dog.
Locals can register or learn more at tough4T.com, with the charity encouraging everyone across the Redlands to get involved.
Cynthia says the event is about more than fundraising, it’s about community, connection and showing local women that they are not alone.
She describes her daughter as a “local hero”.
