NZ artists support breast cancer causes
May 2008

Two New Zealand artists are using their talents to highlight breast cancer issues. Wellington artist Shirley Strom is holding an exhibition of her work and that of other NZ artists to draw attention to the issue of delayed reconstruction within the public hospital system - not all DHBs are offering this option for women seeking reconstructive surgery following initial surgery for breast cancer.

Nelso based artist Cassandra Bowe and her mother Coral are designing a special Herceptin bra for entry into this year's Wearable Arts Show. The bra will heighten awareness of the plight of those women who must find upwards of $60,000 to fund their own 12 months treamnent with the drug Herceptin.

Shirley Strom
When the Ministry of Health culled surgical waitiing lists in 2006, Wellington woman Shirley Strom was one of those affected. Shirley was awaiting breast reconstruction when she was removed from the waiting list and, at the same time, faced the shock of a Her2 positive diagnosis and the prospect of having to pay thousands for Herceptin – something she could not afford. “Breast Reconstruction after a mastectomy is not just cosmetic,” says Shirley. “It is a crucial step in a woman’s wellbeing and recovery from fighting cancer, both physically and psychologically. I had already accepted that I was unable to have Herceptin because of the unaffordable $100,000 price tag. I was recovering from my own mastectomy at the time, with a second lot of chemotherapy plus radiotherapy still to come. I was utterly devastated when my specialist then informed me that the likelihood of getting my three times promised reconstruction was now extremely slim, because of the cut-backs on waiting lists.”

To raise funds for her reconstruction ($25,000 - $30,000 is needed) and to heighten awareness of those women who are still being denied the choice of delayed reconstruction within the public system, Shirley is holding a Breast Reconstruction Fundraising Exhibition from 19 June – 2 July at Gallery Frames Ltd, 14 Ganges Rd, Khandallah, Wellington. The show will feature Shirley’s art and works donated by other New Zealand artists.

Cassandra and Coral Bowe
Cassandra Bowe and her mum Coral hope to take Herceptin to the big stage for the Wearable Arts Awards Show this year. The Nelson based artist is busy developing her unique design for a ‘Herceptin Bra’ and cannot divulge too many details at present. Suffice to say we think it will be ‘a real winner’!

‘I’m hoping my design will bring more awareness to the Herceptin funding issue,’ said 36 year-old Cassandra. ‘I decided to enter a design into the Bra Section this year because my friend Mandy found out she had Her2 positive breast cancer early last year. Mandy’s friends, family and community went about raising $80,000 for her treatment which was really amazing. I wanted to make a design to show how hard it is for women who must fund Herceptin themselves and cope with chemotherapy at the same time. On the positive side, the design will show the amazing and loving support shown by the community.’ Cassandra has also had a more personal experience with cancer, losing her father to bowel cancer earlier this year.

Cassandra is a self-employed administrative support person and does her Wearable Arts designs in her spare time. She entered her first WOW competition in 1991. ‘My friend modeled in the show that year and suggested I give it a go and make a design. Over the years I’ve had 14 designs accepted for the Wearable Arts shows (some with my Mum andmy brother Paul)and have had two firsts, three seconds and a third in the sections I have entered.’ Cassandra makes her designs at home and uses whatever materials she can find that work in with her overall concept. ‘The tricky part is how to put it all together so a person can wear it!’ she says. Cassandra can be contacted by email at cass.b@xtra.co.nz

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