News from BCAC's member groups
More than 30 breast cancer-related groups belong to the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition. Find out more about what our member groups are up to on this page. If you want to know more about BCAC and our member groups, click here and subscribe to our e-newsletter.
Liz Pennington was appointed to the Breast Cancer Support Chair position in early April and is looking forward to working as part of the organisation to enhance and strengthen the support of women with a lived experience of breast cancer.
April 2023 has been the culmination of a long-held dream by our Team Captain to have enough Paddlers to form a BC team. Thus, Taranaki Pinks came in to being.
We entered as a small boat at this year’s Nationals and as a standard boat at the recent IBCPC held at Lake Karapiro. The atmosphere was amazing and truly embodies the camaraderie and spirit of all BC survivors, from the young to the old brought together by a common bond.
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...
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".
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!
BCAC welcomes the Breast Cancer Foundation’s new survey to learn more about the long-term side effects of treatments for early breast cancer. ‘It’s good to see more research on the experiences of NZ women with breast cancer’ says BCAC Chair Libby Burgess. ‘We encourage you to participate in this research if you can.’ Update 1 May 2023: the survey has now closed. You can learn more about the results by contacting the Breast Cancer Foundation at intouch@bcf.org.nz Read more about the survey...
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.
