Our member groups

Groups providing information

New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation

www.nzbcf.org.nz
The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation is the country’s foremost breast cancer education and awareness organisation. It is a non-government funded charitable trust promoting awareness of breast cancer, providing information and education, and raising funds to support breast cancer related initiatives including research, scholarships, medical grants, community education and a breast cancer patient register. The Foundation was specifically established to educate all New Zealanders on the life-saving benefits of early detection and the importance of mammograms.

Breast Cancer Network

www.bcn.org.nz
The Breast Cancer Network is an independent New Zealand-wide group for those who have experienced breast cancer and their supporters.  By means of our website www.bcn.org.nz , brochures, Upfront U Kaiora magazine,  public meetings and the 2007 conference, we share information and provide a voice for women with breast cancer. BCN also has a group Facebook page that you are welcome to join. 
Contact BCN by email at admin@bcn.org.nz, or phone 09 636 7040.  Free introductory magazine and brochures available.

Breast Cancer Action Trust

http://www.mount-tutu.co.nz/Breast_Cancer_Action_Trust.htm
Following on from a successful 124,000 signature petition that resulted in an expansion of the Breast Screening age in 2004, we continue to lobby for better access to screening and age reduction to 40 years and improved access to treatments.

Breast Health New Zealand

http://www.breast.co.nz/

Breast Health NZ was established in November 1999 by the NZ Community Development Trust and developed as a non profit website held in trust for all NZ women, their families, supporters, medical profession to provide and share information pertaining to breast health under the categories of breast cancer, breast awareness and breast nurture. Sue McLeod, author of The Unremarkable Nipple and Speaker at 4th World Conference in Halifax Canada 2005, is the co-ordinator of the website. 

WONS

www.wons.org.nz
WONS is a nursing, education and health promotion service committed to working with and assisting the community, other service providers and government to keep our women and their families well. WONS is a progressive organisation, not afraid to redirect its services or to add new services to its portfolio based on the results of continual evaluation of the needs of the communities it serves and the requirements of its funders.

Shocking Pink

www.shockingpink.org.nz

Shocking Pink is a new Christchurch-based group set up to support young women with breast cancer. Visit their website which provides online resources and information. To contact them please email info@shockingpink.org.nz.

The Cancer Society of New Zealand

www.cancernz.org.nz 
The Cancer Society of New Zealand, although not a member of BCAC, is dedicated to reducing the incidence of cancer and ensuring the best cancer care for everyone in New Zealand. It advocates for patients, providing a voice on all kinds of issues including cancer detection and treatment. Its national office is located in Wellington, and it has six regional offices and 15 centres, all involved in raising funds and providing local support services.

Groups providing support

Age Concern

www.ageconcern.org.nz
Age Concern New Zealand is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation, dedicated to promoting the quality of life and well-being of older people, advocating positive healthy ageing for people of all ages.

Breast Cancer Support Inc
www.breastcancersupport.co.nz

BCS offers community-based support services to women with a present or past diagnosis of breast cancer. Services are provided by trained volunteers who have experienced breast cancer themselves and can provide support from a positive, personal perspective. BCS offers women individual support (face to face meeting or telephone), participation in monthly Breast Friends support groups (greater Auckland area only) and nationwide support and information via its toll free number. 
Phone toll free: 0800 273 222 (0800 BreaCanSupport), email the Support Services Coordinator: support@breastcancersupport.co.nz or write to us at: PO Box 10150, Dominion Road, Auckland 1446

Breast Cancer Support Service Tauranga Trust

Established in 1991, BCSS Tauranga offers support, education and information to women diagnosed with breast cancer in the Bay of Plenty area. The group offers free services including home or hospital visits, telephone contact, group support meetings and support for partners. They also offer a newsletter, a comprehensive library and have a very useful information pack for women newly diagnosed. To contact BCSS Tauranga, call their helpline on 07 571 3346, email them or visit from 9 – 1230 weekdays at 56 Christopher St, Tauranga.

Breast Cancer Support Northland

Breast Cancer Support Northland Trust covers from Wellsford northwards and offers practical and emotional support to women with a diagnosis of breast cancer. The Trust has trained visitors to either visit ladies or phone them. Monthly meetings are held at the YWCA lounge, 21 Rust Avenue, Whangarei. The Trust can be contacted by phone: 021 0468718 or 021 0487863.

Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust

Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust (RBCT) is the result of a group of eight local women getting together after attending the 1st National Breast Cancer Conference held in Rotorua in 2007. At the conference there was much talk of the activity, events and support happening around the country for women with breast cancer, but at that time nothing was available in the Rotorua area. RBCT's focus is on ensuring women affected by breast cancer in the Rotorua area have the same opportunities for care and support as in other parts of the country. They want to be able to help in practical ways such as providing information and education as well as general support. For more information email them or hone Diane on 021 596 098 or Dell on 021 050 2440.

Her2 Heroes

This informal group was formed during the campaign to get Herceptin funded and is made up of women who have HER2 positive breast cancer and their families. The group welcomes enquiries from anyone with HER2 positive breast cancer and their families or supporters. For information contact Chris Walsh.

Kenzie's Gift

www.kenziesgift.com

Kenzie's Gift is the vision of Nic Russell. It is inspired by the life of her daughter Kenzie and the cancer journey they shared together. The vision of Kenzie's Gift is to establish a specialist team of community based family therapists, play/youth therapists and art/music therapists to provide support for families and children affected by cancer from the point of diagnosis through treatment and beyond, which may encompass either bereavement or survivorship. For more information, email Kenzie's Gift.

Mamazon Club

As lesbian survivors of breast cancer we share a social context that is not always recognized or understood by medical and support personnel with whom we interact during our breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. This can create additional stresses and difficulties for us as patients and for our partners and wider families during these processes. We have formed a group in order to provide support for each other in an environment of similarity and understanding. Beyond recovery, we enjoy each others company and celebrate survival in a social context. For information contact Sam McLean.

Lymphoedema Support Network

http://www.lymphoedema.org.nz/

Lymphoedema Support Network is a voluntary organisation with over 100 members in New Zealand. Our aim is to make the condition of lympoedema better known the wider community and to support those who have the condition. For more information cotact Joy Donhoe.

Te Ha o Te Oranga o Ngati Whatua

Te Ha o Te Oranga o Ngati Whatua is the Health Provider arm of Te Runanga o Ngati Whatua and is an integral part of the ongoing coordination, delivery and growth of health services for the more than 73,000 Maori who reside within the Ngati Whatua rohe. In addition to the delivery of a range of health services, Te Ha o Te Oranga o Ngati Whatua seeks to build strong relationships with other health providers within the rohe to enable access to the services needed to help achieve the health gains sought by our people. For more information, please email.

The Reconstructables

The Reconstructables are a group concerned about the removal of women requiring delayed reconstructive surgery following breast cancer from our public hospital waiting lists. Many of these women have been on lists for 2 years or more and now have virtually no hope of receiving this surgery through the public health system.  1 in 10 New Zealand women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis and may require reconstructive surgery. Women need to have the choice about if and when they have it. Contact

 Raewyn Calvert

Skip for Life

Jacqueline Harrison founded the nationwide Skip for Life project in April 2007 because she believed depriving women of funded Herceptin was a massive injustice, especially when research highlighted significant survival benefits for those with early stage HER2 positive breast cancer. Skip for Life raises much needed funds to help support women fighting breast cancer. Every cent raised goes towards funding  treatments. For further information, email at

info@skipforlife.org.nz

Sweet Louise

www.sweetlouise.co.nz
Research indicates that in addition to high quality conventional medical care there are many other strategies that can help women with breast cancer to lead more positive lives. Sweet Louise provides information about these strategies on its website, and in its brochure, and currently allows women with secondary breast cancer who live in the Northland, Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North regions, to experience some of these services free of charge.  We’ve divided the services into three categories – mind, body and helpers. The services are available at no charge to women with secondary breast cancer through our voucher system.   For help and more information please call our free phone 0800 11 22 77.

The inaugural Terrier Racing Cup Day was held that year, and has now successfully raised thousands of dollars for Gisborne breast cancer sufferers.
The money raised allows TRAT to provide a support pack for each women diagnosed with breast cancer in the Tairawhiti district.  Each pack has $350 of vouchers and includes, books, a pedometer and useful information as well as BCAC’s Step by Step pack.  The vouchers can be used for things such as petrol, childcare, gardening or pampering. For more information contact Carol.

Groups supporting health and wellbeing

YWCA Encore

www.akywca.org.nz/what-we-do/encore.aspx
Encore is a gentle exercise programme conducted by women for women to inspire and assist those who have had breast cancer. The Encore programme provides a supportive environment where women can share their emotional experiences and participate in physical activities specifically designed for women who have undergone mastectomy, lumpectomy and/or breast reconstruction. The exercises are specially designed to target areas that have been affected by breast cancer surgery. The hydrotherapy exercises are considered particularly helpful. The classes are also an opportunity for women to share their experiences in a safe and understanding environment. The YWCA Encore programme assists women who have had breast cancer surgery regain their mobility, flexibility and confidence though gentle exercise and support. Participation in Encore is free. Please call 0800 ENCORE (0800 362 673) for more information.

Look Good, Feel Better

www.lgfb.co.nz
Look Good Feel Better is the CTFA's (Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association) charity programme which provides two million dollars' worth of  product each year for LGFB workshops around New Zealand. Look Good Feel Better is a free service specifically designed to improve the quality of life of cancer patients by helping restore lost confidence and self esteem to those women who are dealing with the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.

Pink Pilates

www.pinkplates.co.nz
The Pink Pilates programme has been specifically designed to help women diagnosed with breast cancer regain their physical strength, rebuild self esteem, and improve their body confidence. Breast cancer research has found that exercise can help boost the immune system, limit weight gain from chemotherapy, ease treatment side effects, and contribute to an improved quality of life. Pink Pilates is dedicated to helping women who are recovering from breast cancer surgery or treatment through the use of personalised health programs. These include a complementary blend of pilates, physiotherapy, massage, stretching and breathing techniques. We believe that this therapeutic combination addresses both the physical and emotional side effects of breast cancer. The Pink Pilates programme is suitable for all women recovering from breast cancer and accommodates all levels of fitness. The programme consists of 10 sessions with a personal physiotherapist and each session is designed to suit the individual needs of each participant. For more information, please email or phone on (09) 304 0969.

Alleviate

Alleviate Ltd offers professional and innovative creative arts therapy programmes and one-on-one therapy for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This can include movement/dance, art-making, drama, music and creative writing: giving women a range of resources to assist them to access their own sense of what will improve their well-being, quality of life and self-care, and to move towards coming to terms with their life-changing experience. For more information contact Amanda Levey.

Research Groups

Breast Cancer Research Trust

www.breastcancercure.org.nz
The Breast Cancer Research Trust was established to raise funds to support breast cancer research. Grants are made to support NZ based projects to fight the disease and reduce the high rate of breast cancer in our country. NZ has one of the highest rates of breast cancer cases in the world! BCRT is the leading breast cancer charity in New Zealand specifically dedicated to research and finding a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime.

Waikato Breast Cancer Trust

www.wbct.org.nz
The Waikato Breast Cancer Trust was established in 2000 to support research and education into breast cancer diagnosis, prevention and treatment in the Waikato region.  The Waikato is one of the most active New Zealand centres for breast cancer research and the Trust currently supports more than 17 different studies/clinical trials including radiotherapy, drug trials and new surgical treatments for breast cancer. In addition to local studies the Waikato research team works collaboratively with many international groups actively participating in international research protocols. For further information on the Trust and its work, please visit the website or contact the Secretary, Jenni Scarlet

Dragon Boating Teams

Busting with Life

www.bustingwithlife.org.nz

Our dragon boat team consists solely of breast cancer survivors who range in age from early 30's to late 60's. We aim to raise awareness and to encourage women with breast cancer to live full and active lives. Our goal is to send a message of hope to people living with this disease and to those who support them. Busting with Life is an Auckland based initiative, with our long-term objective to see teams formed nationally and to compete at an international level.

BooBops

The Tauranga Boobops Dragon Boat Team started in 2003 as a combined team of survivors and supporters.  Their first Regatta saw them achieve a ‘memorable last placing’ but since then the team has gone from strength to strength.
‘Dragon boating is so much more than just a sport to us.  We appreciate and value the camaraderie of an incredible group of women.  Our aim always is to support and empower women after breast cancer while increasing fitness and good health.’ For more information contact Sue Baty.

Pink Dragons

www.pinkdragons.org.nz
Ascot Radiology Pink Dragons' motto is "Paddling With Passion". We are a dragon boat team comprised of breast cancer survivors who share a zest for life. Our aim is to promote the early detection of breast cancer in order to secure the best outcome after diagnosis. We also demonstrate that life, after breast cancer, is for living actively. We are a breast cancer support group that enjoys the physical, mental, and psycho-social benefits of a strenuous team sport involving 20 paddlers working in unison. Supporters and Breast Cancer Survivor paddlers are welcome. Please email us for more information.

Waikato Treasure Chests

www.waikatotreasurechests.co.nz
We are a group of people with a common bond - breast cancer. We have embarked on a journey not of our choosing but we have chosen to take control of our health and wellbeing by paddling in a dragon boat. Camaraderie, involvement in the community and  love of life bind our team both on and off the water. New members very welcome. Contact Julie Retter for more information.

Taranaki Dragons

Our Taranaki Dragon Boat team aims to have fun, build strength and hope and to make the dragon boating experience accessible to the Taranaki community by developing both breast cancer and non-breast cancer dragon boat teams. We want to liaise with other NZ teams and participate in dragon boat racing events, encouraging men and women from all walks of life in our community to develop a healthy and active lifestyle. Our group hopes to further develop our networks of support, keep team members informed about the positive benefits of dragon boating, and encourage new people to become involved. For more information, check out their website or contact them direct.