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Join Sweet Louise this May as we walk 50K to raise funds to support Kiwis diagnosed with incurable breast cancer. This 50K walking challenge is designed so you can walk when you want, where you want, and with whoever you want! Walk or run. Go solo or set up a team. Complete the 50K in one weekend or spread across the whole month – the choice is entirely up to you!
Broadcaster and Breast Cancer Foundation NZ (BCFNZ) Ambassador Lorna Riley is encouraging New Zealanders to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast next month to support Kiwis affected by breast cancer.
Pink Ribbon Breakfast is BCFNZ’s biggest annual fundraising campaign and people can sign up at www.pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz. Last year, 67,000 New Zealanders got together with their friends, whānau and workmates at events to raise vital funds for BCFNZ’s work in education, research and patient support.
Neither did Marion, a clinical trial participant whose hope for the future of breast cancer research is that it brings more light to the various types of breast cancer.
"I hope that research gets rid of the myth that all breast cancer is the same. Different treatments can be more effective for different types of breast cancer".
With clinical trials research we are discovering different types of breast cancer and this leads to the development of future treatments that become more and more individualised to tumour sub-type, age and general health of each woman diagnosed.
You can help women like Marion to participate in a clinical trial and contribute to improving the outcomes for future generations of women diagnosed with breast cancer.
In 2022, Breast Cancer Support Services Tauranga Trust held a fundraising challenge titled Aotearoa 100k’s in 30 Days. The challenge was for participants to get sponsored and clock 100 kilometres in 30 days either on foot, on wheels or in the water. The purpose was to get fit, have fun and raise much needed funds for breast cancer support services. The initial fundraising goal was $30,000; but our community blew us away and we raised just over $100,000!
Following this incredible event, in 2023 we wanted to grow the challenge so we could raise funds for other breast cancer support services in Aotearoa. These small charitable trusts rely on fundraising to provide vital services to those affected by breast cancer in their community.
In October 2022 we were heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved committee member and Metavivor Terre Nicholson on 16 October 2022. Terre was an invaluable organiser and empathetic moderator of Metavivors. A courageous and inspirational leader who took responsibility and fought for the welfare of others. She initiated the Ibrance petition, combined it with Sue Wall-Cade’s Kadcyla petition and took these to Parliament and the Health Select Committee along with her Metasisters. Terre was an agent for positive change. A valuable, active member of the BCAC Committee.
2022 has been a busy year for the Waikato Treasure Chests Dragon Boat Club, reports president Teresa Simonsen. “In April 2023 the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission Dragon Boat Festival is going to be held in our own backyard – Lake Karapiro. This is an exciting opportunity to offer survivors a once in a lifetime experience to compete against 84 breast cancer survivor teams from 14 different countries.” says Teresa.
Gisborne breast cancer charity group Terrier Race Against Time ran another hugely successful fundraiser on Sunday 27 November at the Ashwood Racecourse in Gisborne. There were 89 terrier dogs registered and 500 people attending for a fun day of flat and hurdle racing! Lots of people came all dressed in pink and there were prizes for the best dressed on the day.
Pink Dragons are pleased to see the movie/documentary "The Pinkies Are Back" is now available on TVNZ OnDemand. As a team of breast cancer survivors we share the ups and downs of regaining our strength after treatment, rebuilding our lives and finding wonderful friendships. Our story is one everyone can relate to in some way. It's a happy movie and we are proud to share our experience with others.
Since making the movie, we've had new people join us and others depart for new challenges. We are always happy to welcome new paddlers and will find a place for them on our boat.
Kenzie's Gift has engaged new therapists in New Plymouth and Invercargill. We also have therapists in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Lower Hutt, Christchurch, and Dunedin. A reminder that Kenzie's Gift therapy services and free resources online are there for tamariki (children), mātātahi (young people), and their families affected by mate pukupuku (cancer), serious illness, or bereavement.
A recent call for peer support volunteers and committee members has given Breast Cancer Support the best Christmas present: 20 support volunteers and a new Chairperson for 2023.
The new volunteers hail from many parts of New Zealand including Auckland, Waihi, Kapiti Coast, Christchurch and Dunedin and will receive in-house training for their support roles early next year.
BCS is still looking for more women and men interested in training to be peer supporters or committee members. Please email BCS on support@breastcancersupport.org.nz to find out more.
