BCAC was formed in November 2004 with twelve member groups and now, in 2009, we have 28 breast cancer-related member groups and nearly 50 individual members.

Recent members to join the coalition include: The Breast Cancer Support Northland Trust, The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation, the Taranaki Dragons and WONS: Nursing, Education and Health Promotion Service. Find out more about our current member groups here.

We invite membership applications from breast cancer-related groups and individuals with an interest in supporting our work.

Membership to BCAC is free. Please email us and we will send you an application form.

Find out more about BCAC:

• Who are we?
• What do we do?
• The history of BCAC?
• Who is on our committee and what they do?
• Who are our member groups?

Who We Are

The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) is an Incorporated Society representing twenty-eight of New Zealand’s breast cancer related organisations. We offer free membership to those organisations and individuals who have an interest in breast cancer.

What We Do

The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) provides a united consumer voice to improve detection, treatment and care for those with breast cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand.

BCAC:

• offers evidence-based information to increase understanding of breast cancer
• gives support to those affected by breast cancer
• empowers women and men with breast cancer to make informed choices about their treatment and care
• represents key issues to relevant authorities with the aim of ensuring world class care for New Zealanders with breast cancer

History of BCAC

The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition was formed at an historic meeting in November 2004. Twelve of New Zealand’s breast cancer-related organisations met for the first time to discuss ways to improve detection, and the treatment and care, of breast cancer in Aotearoa, New Zealand. A Steering Group was appointed in January 2005 and began working on five key initiatives.

BCAC is honoured to have Rangimarie Naida Glavish as our kuia.

BCAC Committee, Administration and Advisors

Committee Members
	Libby Burgess - Chair Libby Burgess is a ten year survivor of breast cancer and chairs BCAC. Libby is a member of the Guideline Advisory Team developing evidence-based clinical best practice guidelines for early breast cancer in New Zealand. She is providing a consumer perspective on the development of the Northern Regional Cancer Network under the NZ Cancer Control Strategy. 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, access to timely radiation therapy, and reinstatement of breast physicians as a recognised specialist group. Libby is a scientist based in Auckland.
	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.
	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.
	Sue Ellis - Committee Sue has her own consultancy business with a background in nursing, education, government policy, and management. A recent 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.
	Chris Walsh - Committee 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.'
	Suzanne McNicol - Committee Suzanne is the Marketing and Communications Manager for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. She relishes the opportunity to work in the not-for-profit sector and is enjoying putting her commercial experience to use in cause-related marketing. Suzanne has spent the past 17 years working in New Zealand media assisting commercial brands to build and leverage sponsorships and partnerships within the media market and entertainment industry. Suzanne brings extensive public relations, communications and marketing skills to the BCAC Committee which she joined in January 2009. She feels strongly about the role of reconstructive surgery in recovering from breast cancer and would like to see this offered to patients at ALL DHBs in New Zealand.
	Pat Fairbrother - Committee Pat moved to New Zealand from the United Kingdom in November 2008 and has extensive experience as a patient representative and advocate for women with breast cancer.  She began on this path following breast cancer in 1999, when she joined the board of a small national charity in the UK specialising in campaigning and patient education. This charity merged with Breakthrough Breast Cancer in 2004 and Pat joined the steering group for Breakthrough’s new campaigns and advocacy network. Pat has also been involved a patient representative on numerous bodies, including the NICE Cancer Guidelines Review Panel 2005-07 and the Devon & Cornwall Breast Cancer Site Specific Group 2005-08. In her role with BCAC, Pat would like to focus on achieving a fuller role for patients and carers in decisions about cancer services.
	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.
	Sina Moore - Committee Sina is Samoan, and is very concerned about the high numbers of Pacific and Maori women who are disproportionately affected by breast cancer. Although she has not had breast cancer herself, close family members and friends have, and Sina is very motivated to help improve breast cancer outcomes for Pacific and Maori women in Aotearoa. Sina brings to BCAC’s work her broad experience and knowledge of working with Pan-Pacific communities, as well as media skills (broadcasting, advertising, and social marketing).
Administrators
	Bronwyn Hughes - Communications Executive Bronwyn has spent the past 10 years working in public relations both in New Zealand and London, and is BCAC’s communications executive. While Bronwyn has no direct experience of breast cancer, she is proud and pleased to be working for an organisation that does so much to improve the health and lives of the thousands of New Zealand women who have the disease.
Advisors
	Rangimarie Naida Glavish - BCAC's Kuia 'I have spent my whole adult life as an advocate for Māori people. In May 1984 as a humble toll operator I challenged the might of the then Post Office and won for us the right to use our kupu ‘Kia Ora’ across Aotearoa me te Waipounamu. I am always reminded of the profound wisdom of our kaumatua Sir James Henare when he said, “We have done too much to not do more, we have come too far to not go further”.'
	Carlene Wolfgram - Advisor on Issues for Māori 'As a wife, mother and grandmother, to fight was not a difficult choice to make and I am glad I made it. BCAC gave me the opportunity to work with wonderful women who helped me understand how hard things are for fellow breast cancer sufferers and how important it is for us all to work together to make necessary changes. The Māori statistics are particularly bad and I hope we will be able to turn these figures around too. Mahia kotahi nga rerekētanga! Making a difference together.'
	Dr Nicole McCarthy - Medical Advisor Dr Nicole McCarthy was one of the instigators and a founding member of the BCAC. She spent two years in Auckland as a recipient of a Breast Cancer Research Trust Fellowship Grant and returned to Brisbane in January 2006. She is currently a staff medical oncologist at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and manages the Breast Cancer Clinical Trials programme.
	Dr Marion Kuper-Hommel - Medical Advisor Dr. Marion Kuper-Hommel is a medical advisor for BCAC. A medical oncologist trained in the Netherlands, she has a special interest in breast cancer and initiated the Breast Special Interest Group, a group of breast cancer specialists who are working to improve and optimise day to day breast cancer care in New Zealand. Dr. Kuper-Hommel works as a staff medical oncologist at Waikato District Health Board in Hamilton.

What the Committee Does

• administers and manages BCAC
• consults membership on key issues to take forward
• leads and coordinates activities required to accomplish initiatives agreed upon at each BCAC forum
• initiates and carries out any additional projects arising from members’ concerns throughout the year
• meets monthly
• provides information and reports on actions in a regular newsletter to members

Our Members

Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition members as of November 2008 are:

Age Concern He Manaakitanga Kaumatua
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.

Boobops Dragon Boat Team
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 information about joining the Boobops teams as a survivor or supporter please contact BCAC.

Breast Cancer Action Trust
www.savethewomen.org.nz
Following on from our 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 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.   
The BCN project, "Stop Cancer Where it Starts", aims to reduce the risk of breast cancer by lifestyle and environmental changes.  "Upfront U Kaiora" magazine offers up-to-the-minute comment on many aspects of breast cancer, as well as readers’ letters, book reviews, research and personal stories. 
A registered charity, BCN is run by volunteers with the help of a paid part time administrator and part time editor. Contact BCN by email at admin@bcn.org.nz, or phone 09 360 0090.  Free introductory magazine and brochures available.

The Breast Cancer Research Trust
www.bcrt.org.nz
The Breast Cancer Research Trust was established to raise funds to support breast cancer research. Grants are made 6 monthly 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.

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 Northland Trust
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.

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 Health NZ
www.breast.co.nz
Breast Health NZ was established in November 1999 by the NZ Community Development Trust www.communities.co.nz 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 web site. 

Busting with Life
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. For information contact Trea Kenny.

Herceptin Heroes
Herceptin Heroes is an informal group of women who are HER2 positive breast cancer sufferers, mostly with early breast cancer, and their supporters. The group is actively seeking new members to add strength to the Herceptin campaign. For information contact Chris Walsh.

Kenzie's Gift
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. Further information about the charity can be viewed on this website, by visiting www.kenziesgift.com, or supplied by email.

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 2 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.

Lymphoedema Support Network
www.akcansoc.org.nz
The Lymphoedema Support Network is affiliated to the Auckland Cancer Society and was set up 10 years ago to: raise awareness of lymphoedema, support people living with lymphoedema and their families or carers and to provide accurate information on lymphoedema.

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 .

The 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.
Our symbol is the ‘pink ribbon’, the international symbol of breast cancer and trademarked to the Foundation in New Zealand. October is International Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Foundation’s major fundraising event. The month is supported by an extensive multi-media campaign, education programme, the sale of pink ribbons through retailers nationwide, and the Pink Ribbon Day Street Appeal.
Mission Statement
The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation’s aim is to reduce the number of New Zealanders who die from breast cancer and to improve outcomes and quality of life for those affected by breast cancer.
Ko te tino tumanako o Te Roopu o Aotearoa, whakaora i te mate e ngau nei i nga u o nga waahine, kia pumau te oranga kia ata tau ai te noho a ratau ma e mauiuitia nei.
Vision
To reduce mortality from breast cancer by providing women with accurate, up to date information and education and by promoting access, in the appropriate age groups, to quality mammography and breast care, as well as research.

Ascot Radiology 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.

Pink Pilates
www.pinkpilates.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 visit the website, email or phone on (09) 361 1078.

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

Skip for Life
www.skipforlife.org.nz
Jacqueline Harrison founded the nationwide Skip for Life project in April 2007 because she believes depriving women of funded Herceptin is a massive injustice, especially when research highlights significant survival benefits for those with early stage HER2 positive breast cancer. Skip for Life will raise much needed funds to help support women fighting HER2 positive breast cancer. Every cent raised goes towards funding Herceptin treatments. For more information and current SFL events, please visit the SFL page on this site. Call the Event Info Line at 0800 2 SKIP 4 for upcoming events. A $20 donation can be made by calling 0900 4 HER2. For further information, please visit the Skip for Life website or email at

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 Auckland region, 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.  We plan to add more services to the list and to expand to other regions within New Zealand as resources permit. For help and more information please visit our website, view the special page on the BCAC site, or call our free phone 0800 11 22 77.

Taranaki Dragons
www.taranakidragons.co.nz
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 please contact Kathleen Moriarty (06) 7520722 or Alyson Fitzsimons (06) 7544419 and visit the special page on this site.

Te Ha o te Oranga o Ngati Whatua
www.teha.co.nz
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.

Waikato Breast Cancer Trust
www.wbct.co.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

Waikato Treasure Chests
The Waikato Treasure Chests are a dragon boating team based in the Waikato. For further information, please contact Julie Retter.

WONS
www.wons.org.nz
WONS: Nursing, Education and Health Promotion Service is 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.
WONS provides:

• Health promotion for Maori, Pacific, Chinese, South Asian, Indian and high need women (health promoters available to support women)
• Health education on breast health in community, home, marae, church or work place
• Primary health care: Free cervical smear tests and breast checks (clinics around Auckland)
• Research, advocacy and consultancy services on women’s health

Email, phone on (09) 846 7886 ext. 710, visit our website for more information or write to us at PO Box 41021, St Lukes, Auckland 1346.

YWCA Encore
www.akywca.org.nz
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 or visit the Encore page on or website.