BCFNZ support will continue
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ wants to reassure our community that we're here to support you. Our nurse advice line will stay open during the lockdown period, although this won't be available on Easter Friday or Easter Monday.
While we're all staying home to help prevent the spread of the virus, it can feel isolating. You may like to join mybc, an online community where you can connect with others going through the same journey, whether you're a patient, survivor or supporter. Nurses will be responding to questions on mybc over Easter weekend, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need support!
Physiotherapy and counselling sessions are continuing during the isolation period - although this will be done remotely - and we are working with lymphoedema therapists so patients can access support during this time.
We have answered some frequently asked questions about how you may be affected by COVID-19 if you have breast cancer. This is updated as more information becomes available. You can take a look on our website. Our nurses are also happy to answer your questions. You can call them for free on 0800 2268 773 or email them at breastnurse@bcf.org.nz.
New nurse on staff
Judith Beattie is the newest addition to our nursing team. Judith has spent most of her career working as a midwife, but made the transition into cancer care after a friend had a baby while in remission from her breast cancer. Judith has worked at Counties Manukau Health (CMH) as a cancer pathway coordinator and as part of the breast screening unit.
Thank you to our generous donors for helping us support our community through the invaluable work our nurses do!
Upcoming webinar: Eating for wellbeing
What should I eat during breast cancer treatment? How can I increase my energy? I'm struggling to lose weight after treatment - what do I do?
If you've asked those questions on your breast cancer journey, this webinar is for you. We'll sit down with dietitian Adeline Wong, nutritionist Erika Motoie
and Sharon Martin to discuss how good nutrition can help during and after treatment, and how you can still eat well when managing side effects.
Join us on Wednesday 15 April at 2pm and get your questions ready for the experts!
Summer students share their results
Thanks to our generous supporters, we were able to fund two students in the University of Otago, Christchurch, Summer Studentship Programme.
Jaya Montecillo (above left) was researching breast cancer cells involved with HER2-positive breast cancer. Ella Robertson (above right) analysed data in the Breast Cancer Foundation National Register, reviewing the treatments offered to advanced breast cancer patients in Christchurch.
Thank you to our partners!
At a time when we’re having to isolate, it’s good to remind ourselves what great things we can achieve when we work together. A huge thank you to ETA Salads, who raised $50,000 with their Pink Caps campaign, and to Glassons, whose collaboration with iconic New Zealanders Zambesi, Twenty Seven Names, Bic Runga and ShaaanX0 raised a fantastic $30,000. Together, their support helps make our vital work in education, research and support possible.
