Skip for Life Launches Herceptin Fundraiser

Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC)
Media Release Auckland, 17 April 2007
For Immediate Release

‘Skip for Life’ Launches National Herceptin Fundraiser April 22

This Sunday, communities nationwide will be ‘skipping for life’ to raise funds for women with early stage HER2 + breast cancer who cannot afford the high price tag of Herceptin.

‘Skip for Life – Create a Different Tomorrow’ will see sponsored skippers join together in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch, link arms and skip in long lines to raise money and show their support for women with early HER2 + breast cancer. All funds raised in each area will go towards supporting Herceptin treatment for women living in the same community.

Among those ‘skipping for life’ at the Auckland Skip for Life event will be leading New Zealand fashion designer Liz Mitchell, a breast cancer survivor who has designed a Skip for Life T-shirt.

Skip for Life is the brainchild of Auckland businesswoman, registered nurse and mother of two Jacqueline Harrison. Ms Harrison is determined to reduce the stress on women coming to terms with a diagnosis of HER2 + breast cancer. ‘It is too much to expect women coping with the debilitating effects of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments to organise fundraising as well,’ she said.

PHARMAC is proposing to fund only 9 weeks of Herceptin for New Zealand women while 23 OECD countries have already adopted the proven life-saving 12 month regimen.

Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) Chair Libby Burgess said BCAC is 100% behind member Skip for Life’s initiative. ‘It is fantastic to see Jacqueline and her team supporting HER2+ women in this very practical way,’ said Ms Burgess. ‘Skip for Life is another wonderful initiative from the community showing that New Zealander’s really care about each other.’

Skip for Life events will begin at 10am, Sunday April 22 in the following centres:
Auckland: Waitemata Square, Viaduct Basin
Wellington: Frank Kitts Park, Jervois Quay, Wellington Wharf
Nelson: Tahunanui Park
Christchurch: Christchurch Girls High School sports field, Matai St, Riccarton

About the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition
www.breastcancer.org.nz
The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) is an Incorporated Society with charitable status, presenting a unified voice to call for change, improvement and innovation on behalf of all New Zealand women experiencing breast cancer.
BCAC was formed in November, 2004 when twelve New Zealand breast cancer organisations came together at a forum to create one group. BCAC now has seventeen member organisations and is currently working on five major initiatives:
1. to ensure consistent, high quality detection and treatment of breast cancer throughout New Zealand by promoting the development and implementation of evidence-based best practice guidelines;
2. to support the prompt and effective implementation of the extended age breast-screening programme (45 to 69);
3. to inform and advocate for improved access to breast cancer treatment drugs;
4. to research and promote the provision of professional psychosocial services for breast cancer patients and their whanau, family, friends and supporters;
to identify and promote breast cancer issues for Māori and Pacific Island women

ENDS

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