In this special edition newsletter, we'd like to give you a behind-the-scenes look into the amazing work happening in your back yard in our bid to lessen the impact of cancer in our community.

As an organisation, we are equally focused on cancer prevention as we are on post-diagnosis support as we endeavour to get ahead of this disease, with the ultimate goal of seeing fewer cancer diagnosis across Aotearoa.

Our New Zealand-based knowledge and expertise plays an essential role in achieving this aspiration.

1. HTTCSTB Curator Helen Morrin storing samples in freezers

2. Bridey Watson prepares tissue samples

3. The University of Otago - Christchurch building

In a small laboratory inside Christchurch Hospital, our He Taonga Tapu Cancer Society
Tissue Bank (HTTCSTB) team are working alongside clinicians and brave patients to help progress cancer research in New Zealand.

HTTCSTB was established in 1996 to facilitate heath research through gifted tissue samples. When it opened its doors 27 years ago, it was the first of its kind in the country. Since then, over 14,500 patients have become donors.

Each donation can provide multiple samples to be banked for future research studies.

HTTCSTB Curator, Helen Morrin, says:

"Our overall focus is about the patient as much as the research. Recognising their trust and honouring all their hopes and aspirations of what their sample will facilitate in terms of research excellence."

Patient care and public trust is at the
forefront of every step of the HTTCSTB pathway. From the initial connection and consent, through to collection, storage and the release of the specimen to researchers,

"We work to the absolute highest levels of ethical and legislative standards, cultural sensitivity, and to be as scientifically sound as possible," Helen explains.

Working in collaboration with the University of Otago Christchurch and Te Whatu Ora Waitaha | Canterbury, the Cancer Society Canterbury/West Coast division provides significant funding to HTTCSTB through our
community fundraising efforts and generous supporters.

There is currently no government funding for cancer biobanking in New Zealand. Helen explains,

"The Tissue Bank simply wouldn't exist without the Cancer Society Canterbury/West Coast division".

Family played a key part in supporting Vicki Smith through her pancreatic cancer journey. Inspired by her daughter who is a medical scientist, Vicki was eager to help contribute to cancer research.

"I hope that giving my tissue for further research will help to develop those tests that they can use as a control to find out much earlier whether other people have it ... By the time there are any symptoms it's usually advanced and often too late."

And she hopes others in her position will be willing to do that same. "[Donating tissue] is a great opportunity to contribute to the advancement of cancer research here in New Zealand."

"The more information they have to help understand the disease which can lead to cancer prevention, earlier detection and hopefully cures."

When speaking with Vicki, it's impossible to ignore her unwavering resilience and determination. Vicki is an unstoppable force and after successfully completing 12 rounds of brutal chemotherapy, she's not letting her cancer hold her back ... 

We are delighted to thank and welcome our most recent supporters of the new Canterbury Cancer Centre: 

♦ Bishopdale Burnside Rotary Club

♦ Waghorn Builders

♦ Qestral

♦ Pak n Save Papanui

♦ Gallaher Insurance (formerly Crombie Lockwood)

♦ Colliers Canterbury

♦ Oxford Lions Club & Lloyd Morgan Trust

♦ Glenmark Lions Club

♦ Christchurch Sunrise Rotary Club

♦ Mitre10 MEGA Papanui

♦ Kiwi Gaming Trust

♦ Rotary Club Avonhead

New online support group We would love for those who have been diagnosed with any cancer to join us online. This will be an opportunity to kōrero with others who are on a similar health journey. 

Sometimes guest speakers will present on a topic that is of interest to the group. This may include lifestyle topics and tips such as emotional well-being, nutrition, keeping active, or sleep. 

We will meet on MS Teams on the last Thursday of each month 12 - 1 PM.  Bring your lunch and join us online, starting on the 30th of November.

The Longest Day 2023 The challenge is to successfully complete a golf marathon - four rounds of golf, or 72 holes - in one day to raise funds for the Cancer Society. 72 sound like too much? Try our new two-round 'half marathon' option, that's 36 holes.

You choose the day, the course, and the team - or play solo if you prefer.
The longest day of the year is Friday 22 December 2023, but you can play
any day in December or January that suits you.

Sign up today at longestday.org.nz

Let's drive change We are calling on the new Government to make much-needed changes to the National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme by December 2024.

Reimbursing 28¢ per kilometre for petrol and up to $100 per night for accommodation for those needing to travel for vital medical treatment simply does not cut it in 2023. Neither does a paper-based system and a reimbursement model.

Do you agree? Unite with us to drive change to the NTA. Read, sign and share our open letter to the incoming Minister of Health at letsdrivechange.org.nz

We've been busy the past few months, and have even more updates to share with you on our full newsletter, including: 

Your gift will help ensure the Cancer Society's transport service is available so people can get to their treatment appointments when they need to.

Your gift will help make sure that families can talk to one of our team of Cancer Navigators who can help them manage the physical, emotional, practical and financial challenges cancer brings.

Your gift will help fund cancer prevention programmes such as our SunSmart programme in schools so that future generations can reduce their risk of getting cancer.