There are worse things than cancer

11 September 2013

There are worse things than cancer

There are worse things than cancer. Like going through it alone.

This year sees a new advertising campaign for CanTeen – an emotional reminder that, while living with cancer is one of the most daunting challenges young people can face, there is nothing worse than going through it alone.

The campaign draws on the experiences of six young New Zealanders, CanTeen members from around the country, each of whom have had their lives impacted by cancer – either having been diagnosed themselves, as a sibling of someone who has or has had cancer or someone who has passed away as a result of the disease.
CanTeen National Marketing Manager Kimberley Waters says the campaign raises an important theme for the charity.

“The campaign is all about raising awareness of what it’s like to be a young person living with cancer – whether as a patient, a sibling or a bereaved sibling – as they all go through their own unique journey whether that be physically, emotionally or both.”

“We exist to ensure young people don’t face cancer alone. No matter where they are on their cancer journey or how their life has been impacted, we aim to help our Members grow stronger, find inner resources and strength.”

Through CanTeen, these brave young people are supported in various ways, not just by professionals, but by a support network of young people who have, or are living through, similar experiences – young people who can truly relate to the realities of cancer. They are empowered with skills and tools to help them through life.

“This is our 15th annual appeal and the bandannas continue to be a symbol of hope, courage and strength for our Members,” says Mrs Waters.

This year’s range includes collaborated designs from All Black Daniel Carter and Patient Member Annabel Sopoaga-Ariki (Christchurch), Silver Fern Maria Tutaia and Sibling Member Azura-Eve Silberschmidt (Rotorua), the SKYCITY Breakers and Patient Member Jessica Hamilton (Auckland). Individual designs have been created by New Zealand’s Got Talent Season Two winner Clara van Wel and Patient Member Miro Tidswell-Groot (Nelson).

Bandannas are on sale for $4 each through all PAK’nSAVE, New World and Four Square supermarkets, Burger King, BP stations, Famers, Repco, Warehouse Stationery and at www.neveralone.co.nz. In addition, during the annual appeal, local CanTeen branches will be holding fundraising events, and street appeal collections.

CanTeen receives no direct government funding so relies on its own fundraising efforts and the generosity of the New Zealand public. The funds raised through their annual appeal Bandanna Challenge will go towards providing peer counselling workshops, development and leadership programmes, recreational activities and much more.

Donate to CanTeen today at www.neveralone.co.nz

- Ends -

© Scoop Media