Meet Jade, your 2024 Ambassador |
Meet Jade. Jade had Hodgkins Lymphoma in her 20s. As far as cancer dealing nasty blows in life goes, you would think that would suffice. But at the end of 2022, Jade also lost her partner of 18 years, John, to a fast and brutal fight with pancreatic cancer.
Jade's solution to coping with her grief and finding purpose again was to walk. Walking became a large part of her healing process, allowing her to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward both physically and mentally. In fact, walking became such a significant part of Jade's life that she signed up for the 1,200km challenge in 2023 – aiming to walk 1,200km in one year.
Not one to shy away from an audacious goal, Jade smashed her target and ended up walking over 2,400km within the one-year time frame.
Jade first encountered Relay For Life when some friends invited her to complete a lap at last year's event. She found the experience to be both uplifting and poignant, enjoying the positive, celebratory energy of the event and the chance to make a connection with others who have experienced their own loss or challenges through cancer.
The event allowed Jade to remember John, share her story with others and celebrate being a survivor herself, which she admits she often forgets to do. |
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Not content with simply joining a team to complete a few laps, Jade has signed up to undertake this year's Relay For Life Selwyn as a solo participant. This means Jade will walk continuously for 12 hours, the entire event duration. In Jade's own words, "It is another challenge to keep me moving forward, to remember John and other loved ones who have lost the battle, to celebrate my survival and support those fighting."
You can support Jade via her fundraising page, or in person at Brookside Park, Rolleston on Saturday the 16th of March to wish her well and give her an encouraging high five as she completes her laps. Sign up your team at relayforlife.org.nz.
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Relay For Life is a fun and action-packed day for all members of the community. Whether you are part of a relay team, a supporter or just looking for a fun day out be sure to check out the action as we join together to celebrate, remember and fight back against cancer. |
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NEW: South Canterbury Cancer Network |
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| Magic happens when new friends and old come together. Last month, we hosted the first meeting of the South Canterbury Cancer Network!
With cancer diagnoses predicted to double over the next 10 years, the services involved in your care while on a cancer journey thought it was high time we got together in a room. The group got to know each other and understand where we all fit. We also began brainstorming some of the areas which have the greatest need for focus. The group will connect quarterly face to face and we cannot wait to see what we can achieve together.
Team work is the dream work! Thanks to myphysio, PINC & STEEL, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Bidwill Trust Hospital, and South Canterbury Hospice.
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The Volunteering team went on a date! |
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The Central Otago Community team had a Valentine's Day with a twist recently, getting involved in Volunteer South's volunteer speed dating event with the aim of 'finding your perfect match.'
Community organisations from around the region came together and had three minutes to chat to and woo prospective volunteers. It was a great chance to meet members of the community who are looking to help with our cause as well as making connections with other organisations. |
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| In our new Here For You series, we're showcasing the people who make the Cancer Society a rich and diverse organisation with a shared purpose – to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in our communities. From our dedicated volunteers to our compassionate staff, motivated fundraisers to generous donors – we are all here for you. This month, we're introducing you to a recent addition to the Cancer Society whānau. Kelly Hoskin lives in Alexandra in beautiful Central Otago with her husband Michael and their children Ivy (3) and Leo (1) and she has been with us for just over one month. What is your role at the Cancer Society and what does a day look like for you?
My role is Volunteer Partner, which is a new role that looks at the systems and processes for volunteers across the whole Southern area and how we can give the volunteers a great experience and one that ensures their mahi has the greatest impact. What initially inspired you to pursue a career at the Society? What is your 'why'?
He tangata he tangata he tangata – I want my work to have purpose and what better purpose than being part of an organisation that helps people in one of the hardest times in their lives. If you could swap jobs with anyone in the office for a day, who would it be and why?
I would like to swap with one of the Cancer Navigators to visit clients for a day so I could get a better understanding of what the clients need and the path they are walking. |
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Exciting news! We're thrilled to welcome PAK'nSAVE Papanui as a valued partner to the Canterbury Cancer Centre! Their incredible generosity in sponsoring a room and providing support has been instrumental in getting the new centre up and running.
A heartfelt thank you to owners Bryan Walker and Lucy Boock. We're so grateful for their commitment to making a difference, and we're excited to see them embark on their own new build set to open in March 2024.
This week it was wonderful to have the opportunity to show Lucy their room to see first-hand the impact their support will have on our guests, patients, and their whānau. The warm welcome from the PAK'nSAVE Papanui team and community to our staff and those we support has made our partnership a true joy. If you're interested in joining us in making a difference and sponsoring a room, please reach out to janice@cancercwc.org.nz |
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Our volunteers, staff, and some of the wonderful guests staying at the Canterbury Cancer Centre enjoyed a fantastic day packing thousands of Hadstock Farm daffodil bulbs for our Bulbs of Hope Campaign - all contributing to this 'bloomin' fundraiser 😉
To purchase your pack of quality daffodil bulbs, go to shop-cansoc.org.nz. Pick-up only from one of our Cancer Society Centres.
10 x Mixed Daffodil Bulbs $11 100 x Mixed Daffodil Bulbs $100 Thank you for your support 💛 |
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Help us do something remarkable together! Relay For Life Selwyn is an incredible event to be part of where hundreds of wonderful Cantabrians come together to celebrate, remember, and fight back against cancer. If you haven't registered to join us this year, click below to make a donation today. |
| Relay For Life Christchurch |
Join the party at the Christchurch Relay! Come along for the first community fundraising event to be held on the hallowed turf at Lancaster Park since it reopened in 2022. â–¸ Lancaster Park, Christchurch, 10am – 10pm 6th April Gather your team or sign up solo and start fundraising today! |
| Jump is back for another thrilling round of fundraising for your local Cancer Society centre. Sign up, raise at least $1000, and jump for free at any participating location across New Zealand! |
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Our partner and previous Cancer Society client Brigetta is thrilled to announce a special promotion that embodies the spirit of giving, compassion, and empowerment: our Double the Care, Triple the Glow promo:
At allowyourself.co.nz, we believe in the transformative power of self-care and the profound impact of supporting others. Here's how to works: When you purchase 2 Antipodes products* from us, you'll have the opportunity to donate your discount to support cancer patients and survivors. In return for your generosity, we'll triple the glow by gifting you a FREE Harmony Day Cream!
Together, let's embrace beauty with purpose and make a meaningful impact! With love and gratitude, Brigetta Anselmi, Founder of allowyourself |
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| If you have been supported by our services or accommodation, participated in an event, or been part of our volunteer crew and you're keen to share your story, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch today: |
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Leave a gift in your will |
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What legacy will you leave? There are many ways to leave your mark on the world. Everything you do, such as your connections with your family/whānau and friends, your work, sporting or community activities, all contribute to memories of you.
Another way is to leave a planned gift to the Cancer Society in your will. By doing so, your kindness will live on, improving lives long after you have gone. When you support us, you become a partner in helping to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer affecting our families and our communities. |
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Living with cancer can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, for people with cancer and whānau. We provide a range of free cancer support services to help you and your family cope with your cancer diagnosis and manage during your treatment and beyond.
You don't need to be referred by your GP or oncologist to contact us. Give us a call on 0800 226 237. We are here for anyone with cancer, at any stage and are available to answer any question.
You can also submit the form below for yourself or someone you care about who is affected by a cancer diagnosis: |
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Cancer Society of New Zealand Canterbury - West Coast Division Inc.
74 Langdons Road Papanui Chrischurch 8053
Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe Cancer Society is a registered charity: CCCC23699 |
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