Several current and former BCAC committee members were thrilled to attend the recent swearing-in ceremony for Claire Ryan, a founding member of BCAC, when she was appointed to the bench as a District Court Judge.
The ceremony which took place at the Auckland District Court was also attended by Dame Sian Elias, the Chief Justice, as well as many Court of Appeal, High Court and District Court Judges.
Claire joined the Committee when BCAC was formed in 2004 and served with us for five years, providing strong leadership in her role as Deputy Chair and guiding BCAC through formalising our structure and establishing our constitution. Claire led us in promoting and supporting access to breast screening, and represented us on the Board of Breast Screen Auckland Ltd, generously donating all of her Director’s fees to BCAC. Claire was involved in the development of the Step by Step support pack and organised successful fundraising events through the Auckland Women Lawyers’ Association and Ceroc dancing. Her incisive legal mind was an incredibly valuable asset in preparing a range of submissions, and this was particularly important for us during the Herceptin debate. Claire wrote brilliantly constructed affidavits that accurately recorded and analysed the events that occurred and laid the foundation for the successful Judicial Review taken by Chris Walsh and the eight Herceptin Heroines.
BCAC Chair, Libby Burgess, said “We were honoured to be able to attend the momentous occasion of Claire’s swearing-in ceremony. Claire was hugely dedicated in her efforts for BCAC and New Zealanders with breast cancer continue to benefit from her work every day. Claire is a very special and talented person and we were all delighted to celebrate this marvellous professional achievement with her.”
