Generosity of fundraisers makes increasing cancer resources possible

One New Zealand region has seen this year's fundraising dollars for cancer research the largest it's been in years.

 

A successful fundraising campaign held usually in late August, where people have dug deep into their pockets and purses, has netted a generous $122,548 for the cause.

 

This has made a ploy for an increase in health workers and support possible, according to the Northland Cancer Society, where there appears to be a higher need.

 

"It would seem this is the largest amount raised since 2013," says Northland Cancer Society manager, Jenni Moore.

 

She says a proposal to the Northland Cancer Society Board was successful, to significantly increase nursing support in the North and to increase counselling and other support groups, recognising the higher need in Northland, and the generosity of Northlanders through fundraising.   

 

This funding is essential when you take into consideration Beating the Odds last post, which covered a story about New Zealand cancer survivor, Caroline Cornor and her journey which began with an early detection by the national breast screening programme.

 

Caroline, who resides in Dargaville, on NZ's beautiful Northland west coast, had a tiny breast tumour detected, which was very aggressive.

 

Following surgery and what was called, 'insurance treatment' with a year of chemotherapy, she is now able to continue on with her life.

Each year the ANZ bank and various national and local organisations, fundraise towards research into the disease.

Ms Moore says the fundraising push is successful because of the energy being expended and the generosity from members of the public, at multiple sites and events all across Northland and wider NZ.

 

It is understood more than $5000 may have been raised in Caroline's district, the Dargaville/Kaipara area alone, during this year's campaign, which added to the regional result.

 

Ms Moore says, the local ANZ bank branch and other organisations including; the Northern Wairoa Lions Club, held various events including; raffles and sausage sizzles.

 

She says the money goes toward key areas: Cancer information and support for clients and their whanau.

 

"We have nurses who support people with cancer, especially at first diagnosis and then following treatment."

 

Experienced nurses visit people as needed at their homes and also provide regular telephone support. A very recent evaluation of these services included interviews with patients to hear the value of this service and people are really appreciative of having someone independent who understands what they are going through and who can give them advice, Ms Moore says.

 

"We also link people with the Look Good Feel Better organisation, which deals with the side effects of treatment and hair loss, providing resources such as wigs and we have volunteers who make bandanas for people to wear. We also have volunteers who make small, ‘porta pad’ cushions, to be placed between a car seatbelt and the patient's chest when a medication line, or porta cath, is in place.

 

The funding is also used for free accommodation for cancer patients and a support person, while having treatment in Auckland.

 

Other areas it is used include; health promotion work in communities; eg., education and advocacy, especially around smoke free environments and reducing tobacco availability. This involves lobbying local and central government and working with communities to make change. The Society also supports schools with their sun protection - Sunsmart programmes.

 

A significant amount of money goes to the Auckland-based Cancer Research Centre, as 26 percent of all money raised goes into research.

The Cancer Society is the largest private funder of cancer research in New Zealand and has a strong relationship with the research centre, which has an international reputation as a world leading anti-cancer drug development laboratory.

The centre has brought eight drugs to clinical trial, filed 100 patent applications and has had more than 1200 scientific papers published.

It plays a lead role in preparing the next generation of scientists through its teaching contribution.

 

Cancer Society also contributes to the Cancer Society Social and Behavioural Research Centre in Otago.   

 

The funds raised, benefit the people in the areas raised in, in NZ. So, money raised in Northland benefits Northlanders.

 

"The Cancer Society is not only there for the cancer patient but also for their whanau. Cancer Society Northland is currently increasing its linkages with Maori communities and organisations to make sure we are available to everyone who needs us," Ms Moore says. 

 

She also champions the huge input of community volunteers in conjunction with all fundraising and patient representative organisations.

 

One such group is the Yellow Shirts, who support patients as they receive their chemotherapy treatments in the oncology units, at Whangarei and Kaitaia hospitals.

Ms Moore says the pattern of managing cancer has changed over the last 20 years, with more successful treatments and drugs being available.

 

These days 67 percent of cancers are considered to be curable, she says.