Who are we
BCAC is administered by a committee of women, most of whom have had breast cancer.
Their experience of breast cancer has motivated them to dedicate themselves to improving the care and treatment other newly diagnosed women receive.
Our committee members are:
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Libby Burgess - Chair Libby Burgess is the Chair of BCAC and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998. Libby was a member of the Guideline Advisory Team that developed evidence-based clinical best practice guidelines for early breast cancer in New Zealand. She provides a consumer perspective through membership of the Northern Regional Cancer Network and New Zealand’s Breast Cancer Specialist Group. Libby has actively campaigned on a range of breast cancer issues including the need for fully funded access to Herceptin and other breast cancer medicines, provision of breast reconstruction and timely access to radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Libby is a scientist based in Auckland. Libby was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the 2011 New Year's Honours list for services to women's health. |
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Chris Walsh - Deputy Chair Chris was diagnosed with HER2 + breast cancer in March 2006 and joined the campaign to fund Herceptin for 12 months. She has a nursing background and completed her PhD 18 months after her diagnosis. ‘I believe that we would have a better health system if consumers had meaningful engagement with those who provide health services. I hope to contribute to BCAC and help make the experience of a breast cancer diagnosis less traumatic for women in New Zealand through undertaking research and representing BCAC in various forums.' She is a Director of a consultancy business. Chris was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the 2010 New Year's Honours list for services to women's health. |
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Louise Malone - Treasurer Dr Louise Malone is BCAC’s treasurer. Whilst she has not had breast cancer herself, Louise has many close friends who are survivors. She is motivated by a desire to help ensure that New Zealand women receive world-class, scientifically-supported treatment for breast cancer, and a wish that the voices of those with cancer be heard and taken seriously by decision-makers. Louise is a Science Leader researching the impacts of new technologies on New Zealand’s environment. |
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Rowena Mortimer - Secretary Rowena was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. She lives in Coatesville with her husband Barry and has two children studying at Otago University. Rowena is a partner in the law firm Lewis Callanan based in Browns Bay, Auckland and firmly believes that cancer patients deserve a better deal than they are receiving at the moment. Her aim is to advocate on behalf of breast cancer and all cancer patients to improve all aspects of their care. In her spare time she walks, watches dressage, thinks about taking up squash and loves to travel. |
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Sue Ellis - Committee Sue is a Director of a consultancy business with a background in nursing, education, government policy, and management. A survivor of breast cancer, Sue supported the campaign that successfully secured 12 months funding of Herceptin for women with HER2 positive breast cancer. She is keen to see a stronger voice for breast cancer advocacy in all aspects of a woman's journey through health service delivery. |
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Moana Papa - Committee Moana is of Maori (Te Arawa, Ngati Kahungunu, Te Whanau-a-Apanui) and Samoan heritage and lives with her husband and two children in Otara, South Auckland. For the last 15 years Moana has worked in community development and education in Manukau and Auckland City. Moana was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 aged 32 and attributes her survival to the great support of family and friends and a positive approach to life. |
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Gillian Wintrup - Committee Gillian Wintrup lives in Tokoroa with her black Labrador, Lochie and is a member of the Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust. As a researcher and young woman who has had breast cancer (she was diagnosed at 35) she is determined to find better ways to help young women experiencing the disease. She has also participated in Look Good Feel Better, Encore and Pink Pilates and felt she needed to give something back to the community. Gillian works as a programme researcher for FITEC, the Forest and Wood industry training organisation which creates the qualifications for workers in these industries. |
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Evangelia (Van) Henderson - Committee Evangelia Henderson is Chief Executive of the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. She is a respected professional in the New Zealand marketing industry and has held general management and marketing positions in a number of New Zealand businesses, as well as volunteering her time to a number of charitable causes. Van is married to Peter and is a busy mum with teenage children. She is pleased to be able to use her significant commercial experience to make a difference to the lives of New Zealand women in the fight against breast cancer. |
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Julie Graham Julie lives in Tauwhare with her husband, Mark, and two teenage children, Zara and Jesse. She was diagnosed with HER2-Positive breast cancer in March 2011. She feels incredibly grateful to all those, including BCAC, who campaigned for 12-months of funded treatment of Herceptin. She decided that she wanted to make a positive out of her diagnosis, and together with her friend Marianne, set up Her2 Heroes Waikato to provide support to women with HER2-Positive breast cancer in the Waikato. Julie says she definitely wanted to be able to ‘give back’ to other women who have breast cancer and to provide friendship and support to help make their journey that bit easier. She firmly believes in what BCAC is trying to achieve and hopes to be able to help in any way she can.
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