New Zealand artist, Penny Stotter, is ‘showing her heart’ for women with breast cancer this month with the release of a limited edition ceramic plate featuring a stylised heart.
The printmaker is joining forces with the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) and Arnott’s Tim Tam to support the annual Show Your Heart for Women Living with Breast Cancer fundraiser.
As part of the campaign, 20 cents from every pack of Arnott’s Tim Tam biscuits sold in Countdown supermarkets between May 12 and June 8 will go to BCAC. A handful of lucky winners will receive one of the artist’s beautifully designed heart plates.
Ms Stotter says she was delighted to create a limited edition work to support Kiwi women with breast cancer.
“To me this imagery represents some of the qualities I most admire in New Zealand women: femininity, grace, joyfulness and a sense of feeling supported and connected,” she says.
BCAC chair, Libby Burgess, says the number of New Zealand women affected by breast cancer is higher than ever before and the need for funds to support them is vital.
“A breast cancer diagnosis is devastating for many women and their families. Those first few weeks can be bewildering as you come to terms with having the disease and the treatments that lie ahead.
“Many women need the support of organisations like BCAC to help them understand the disease and how they can best cope with it. We want to be there to support the thousands of women who will be diagnosed this year and in the coming years,” Ms Burgess says.
BCAC helps newly diagnosed women by distributing its Step by Step support and information pack free-of-charge to every New Zealander diagnosed with breast cancer to help them understand the disease and make well-informed decisions about their treatment and care.
This year BCAC’s Step by Step has been updated to include specific information on dealing with the emotional fallout of a breast cancer diagnosis, fertility issues for younger women and a new section on looking after yourself after treatment for breast cancer.
Arnott’s Tim Tam have been strong supporters of BCAC and Step by Step since 2008 and in doing so have played a key role in supporting New Zealanders with breast cancer.
Ms Burgess says as part of Show Your Heart 2014, BCAC wants to highlight the message: ‘you’re never too old to get breast cancer’.
“The number of women aged 70 and over being diagnosed with breast cancer is higher than ever before and research shows that older women often believe they are ‘beyond’ getting breast cancer.
“We need these women to know you’re never too old to get breast cancer so it’s important to remain vigilant, be breast aware and seek medical help if you notice any changes in your breasts, no matter how small,” Ms Burgess says.
To support BCAC’s work in helping New Zealand women with breast cancer, be sure to purchase Arnott’s Tim Tam biscuits from Countdown supermarkets between May 12 and June 8 and 20 cents from your purchase will go to the Coalition.
For an opportunity to win Penny Stotter’s beautiful ceramic plate and a year’s supply of Arnott’s Tim Tam biscuits , visit BCAC’s website or our facebook page.
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