Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2 October 2006

Executive Director takes Louise Perkins Foundation to next level

The Louise Perkins Foundation has appointed Jennifer Clark its Executive Director, replacing outgoing CEO Vicki St John. Jennifer joins the Foundation at a pivotal time in its development, as it prepares to launch its Sweet Louise services to metastatic breast cancer patients in the Auckland region.

Jennifer trained as a medical scientist and has worked in top executive positions in the health sector including the New Zealand Blood Service and Auckland Healthcare. More recently she has used this experience consulting in New Zealand and overseas.

Jennifer has also had breast cancer so comes to the Louise Perkins Foundation with a deep understanding of the benefits of services such as those offered through Sweet Louise. As a participant in a research programme studying the effects of social and psychological support for women diagnosed with breast cancer she has personal experience of the benefits of a positive approach to dealing with breast cancer. From this experience, she brings both passion and practicality to the establishment of the Sweet Louise services.

Louise Perkins Foundation Chair Scott Perkins says he is delighted with the appointment. “The Foundation continues to be in very good hands. Vicki St John did an excellent job in setting up the Foundation, and now Jennifer joins the organisation with all the qualities we need to take it to the next level and to implement the Sweet Louise services programme to metastatic breast cancer patients.”

A public presentation with details of Sweet Louise services is being held on Monday 30 October. Sweet Louise services are being offered in three key areas: Sweet Louise Mind, Sweet Louise Body and Sweet Louise Helpers. The services aim to improve the quality of life of metastatic breast cancer patients and to help each patient live more positively with the disease. Eligible patients are able to access services from November using a personalised points-based voucher system which allows each patient to choose services to meet her key area of need. The costs of the services are being met by the Louise Perkins Foundation.

ENDS