A breast cancer survivor is urging other Aucklanders to support Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s Pink Ribbon Street Appeal on October 28 and 29.
Melissa Barry was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 at the age of 40, after her first mammogram.
Melissa says, “It was a massive shock, but that mammogram saved my life. Breast Cancer Foundation NZ were a big support along the way. The wonderful nurses were only a phone call away and there are so many other support services available.
“I wanted to do something to help and give back, so my husband and I have signed up to collect for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal and I’d encourage other Aucklanders to get involved too.”
Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for New Zealand women under 65 and every year around 1030 women are diagnosed with it in Auckland.
Each October, around 10,000 volunteers take to the streets to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s work in research, education, advocacy and patient support. The charity is still looking for volunteers to collect in Auckland and the deadline to sign up is midday on October 27.
Ah-Leen Rayner, chief executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, says, “The Pink Ribbon Street Appeal is one of our biggest fundraisers but last year it couldn’t go ahead in many places due to Covid-19 restrictions. As a charity that receives no Government funding, that’s taken a huge toll on our programmes at a time when we’re facing increasing demand for our support services.
“It’s only thanks to the goodwill of New Zealanders that we can be there for patients during their treatment and recovery, fund innovative research to find new breakthroughs and educate women about the importance of early detection. So please, show your support by giving two hours to shake a pink bucket, or donate generously to a Pink Ribbon collector near you.”
People can sign up for a two-hour collection shift in their area at pinkribbonvolunteer.org.nz.
