Jan Haworth is a mindfulness teacher who’s been through cancer herself. She already offers MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) to people with cancer, and is now exploring whether there’s value in developing a version that’s more specifically designed to reflect the emotional and psychological needs of people experiencing cancer.
Terrier Race Against Time (a charity set up to provide support to all people diagnosed with breast cancer in the Tairawhiti area) was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to sell PYO Sunflowers in February 2025.
We're thrilled to announce the launch of the Kenzie's Gift "Grief Podcast”.
This heartfelt podcast is for rangatahi (young people), by rangatahi who have experienced the death of a significant loved one. Hosted by the inspiring Sasha Douglas, who first connected with Kenzie's Gift after her mum died of breast cancer when she was only 17. The podcast creates a compassionate space for young people across Aotearoa to share their stories.
Sasha and her guests dive into:
With 7 weeks training under our belts, Auckland’s Busting With Life headed to Lake Rotoroa, Hamilton to participate in the Waikato Dragon Boating and Waka Ama Association Super 12 regatta. This annual, out-of-region event is the first in the regatta calendar for the team. The regatta is always a fun day (in spite of the early start) and this year did not disappoint.
The Taranaki Dragons have been busy! Valda McBeth has posted this update:
Carol Coad was awarded Life Membership of Taranaki Dragons at our recent AGM. Carol has been an active, reliable and committed member since our Club was founded in 2008. Carol was our treasurer for 14 years.
Clinical trials are an essential part of our health system and are necessary to find out if new treatments are more effective than those currently accepted as standard of care. New breast cancer treatments (e.g. surgery, radiotherapy and drug therapies) and care must be thoroughly tested through the clinical trials or research process before they are made widely available to breast cancer patients.
National cancer support service Look Good Feel Better continues to evolve its free programme to offer a diverse range of wellbeing sessions including both in-community and online classes, expert Q&As and podcasts. Navigating cancer can be as daunting emotionally and mentally as it is to physically deal with prognosis and treatment, so the programme is aimed at boosting confidence and provides an opportunity to connect with others who truly understand what you are going through.
We asked Metavivor Tania Honey to describe this online peer support group for people with advanced breast cancer. Here’s her take:
1. We all have a Stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis and I believe live or have lived in NZ at some point
2. It's a private page. Not any Tom, Dick or Mary can join. It gives you an extra feeling of safety that only other Metavivors are on this site.
Breast Cancer Support Aotearoa (BCSA) begins the year with the continuation of its ‘Cuppa and a Chat’ online support groups. Held on Zoom, the inaugural groups were so successful last year that Chair Liz Pennington is keen to continue and encourages women to join these informal sessions.
Setting New Year’s resolutions for: growing your fitness?, making new friends?, doing something new, different and FUN?
Come along to one of our trainings and see if dragon boating is for you! We will supply you with a life-jacket and paddle, all you need is clothing suitable to exercise in on the water and footwear you don’t mind getting wet.
What you get out of joining the team:
