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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.
BCAC produces a quarterly e newsletter summarising recent activities by BCAC and its member groups. You can subscribe to the newsletter by filling in the request form on this page and view archived copies by clicking the links below:
Every year, BCAC produces an Annual Report and a Performance Report.
The Annual Report is written just before our AGM in August/September; it describes who we are, what we’ve done over the last year and what we hope to achieve in the coming year.
