Show Your Heart for Women Living with Breast Cancer

 Judith Turner: "I've got plenty of years left in me"

Judith was diagnosed with breast cancer after she had her last free mammogram at 69.  A mere six months later she was diagnosed with breast cancer in the other breast at the age of 70.  Judith believes older women tend to believe that they are won’t get breast cancer as they get older.  She wants older women to continue to be breast aware and seek help if they notice any changes. Read Judith's story here.

Ally Armstrong: "I'm passionate about improving women's breast health"

Ally, a mother-of-six, was diagnosed with breast cancer at 47. She'd watched her mother die of cervical cancer so to her cancer was a death sentence, but the Hamiltonian found great strength in learning everything there was to know about breast cancer.  She's now cancer free and passionate about encouraging other women to get regular mammograms. Find out more about Ally here. 
 

Emma Crowley: "Don't be naive enough to think it won't happen to you"

Emma was just 24 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  It came as a shock to the now lawyer and mother of a young daughter.  Her cancer was extremely aggressive and she had an experimental regimen of chemotherapy before she had a mastectomy.  Having undergone breast reconstruction, she wants to warn young women not to be complacent about breast health. Find out more about Emma's story here. 
 

Hannalie Bergmann: "Battling breast cancer and earthquake red zones"

Hannalie, a Christchurch teacher originally from South Africa, was diagnosed with breast cancer a few days before the February 2011 earthquake.  Her cancer was aggressive and to begin with Hannalie felt there was no hope, but she forged on and went through treatment while having no home to live in.  She says the support she received from New Zealanders has been amazing.  Read more here. 

 Rosina Watt: "Share your experience - it helps to talk"

A visit to the doctor about a cyst in her neck turned into a breast cancer diagnosis for Ohope's Rosina Watt.  The 67-year-old underwent treatment for breast cancer at the same time as her step son was receiving treatment for the bowel cancer which eventually claimed his life.  Rosina says counselling helped her through the tough times and wants other women to be ever vigilant about their breast health.  Read more from Rosina here. 

 Nell Rowarth: "Don't imagine the worst"

Papamoa's Nell Rowarth was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 59 after going for a mammogram check-up "to be safe".  She negotiated her way through treatment with the aid of BCAC's support and information pack, Step by Step.  She wants other women to learn from her experience and always get their mammograms.  Find out more about Nell here.

Marcia Sinclair: Get a mammogram, whether you're young or old"

Marcia Sinclair had never had a mammogram when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  The Palmerston North woman had been put off getting a mammogram after hearing stories of discomfort from other women - it's a decision she regrets.  Now she tells all women - young and old - to get regular mammograms. Read about Marcia's breast cancer journey here.