August 2012 - Child Cancer Foundation

Transcription

August 2012 - Child Cancer Foundation
sharing
AUGUST 2012
INSIDE:
One Day for
Child Cancer
I NS IDE:
ALEX &
E
SIONE & JEROM
TRUE
A DREAM COMES
WHAT A
MOLLY
CUTE TE
AM
UK
KATIA & ANO
A UNIQUE BOND
!
a
i
d
u
a
l
C
u
o
Y
k
n
a
Th
e
ador for th
ild ambass
ch
g
in
rk
o
-w
ng and hard
July.
s the amazi
a
n through
w
y
ra
e
h
d
n
ic
a
h
h
w
l
a
e
p
p
ere feature
A
Claudia C
d Cancer
ighlights w
il
H
h
l.
TV
C
a
e
r
e
p
th
fo
p
g
y
a
g the
r visitin
One Da
b promotin
Billing afte
jo
a
on
e
d
n
m
ro
a
p
so
m
a
e
A
e
w
an a
with
ing lik
Claudia did
an’s Weekly
ne, perform
m
e
e
o
sc
th
W
a
d
rt
in
a
n
g
st
la
n
Zea
r to
peari
in the New
e ball beare
eet and ap
ortland Str
acting as th
h
d
aitakere.
S
n
e
a
W
a
m
in
d
m
n
m
a
ra
prog
with Am
sts Stadiu
g
u
in
Tr
t
rn
a
o
e
M
m
d
o
all
up ga
TVNZ’s Go
at the netb
und ANZ C
unched live
rmed
la
tball final ro
e
s
fo
a
n
re
s
w
o
ic
”
h
y
st
a
w
y
M
Takacs
of One D
a
ik
te
u
Er
in
d
n
M
a
n
Cotto
and to
ss song “A
ith cancer
Harper, Joe
The TrueBli
io
children w
latini, Keri
r
A
fo
n
a
g
TV and rad
g
n
e
n
o
so
M
romoted
game by
rform the
p
e
e
p
ly
e
d
th
n
id
g
a
n
w
ri
s
te
ise du
ng wa
to wri
especially
p to fundra
eal. The so
u
p
p
g
A
in
y
n
a
.
g
g
D
si
n
e
ri
le
Sha
eop
e On
ations of p
November
promote th
e in registr
ised in the
rg
ra
l
su
ta
a
to
to
l
a
d
n
and le
on a fi
g Amanda,
update you
r in thankin
l
e
’l
h
e
in
W
.
jo
th
to
n
mo
the month
’d like
in making
me and we
rk
ti
o
t
w
a
n.
re
rd
g
a
h
a
d
their
r Foundatio
Claudia ha
Erika for all
hild Cance
d
C
n
a
e
e
th
r
Jo
,
fo
ri
l
fu
Megan, Ke
and success
for Claudia
so special
Claudia and her sister Arielle, were
invited by CCF ambassador Jerome Kaino
to see the Rugby World Cup he helped
the All Blacks win last year.
Claudia
at the M
ystics fin
ANZ Cup
al round
game in
Aucklan
Amanda
d with
and her
Mum Lis
a.
One of Claudia’s
photos from
her shoot with
Megan Alatini and
Amanda Billing
for the One Day
for Child Cancer
posters.
Adding h
er signatu
re to the
fame at
the TVN
wall of
Z Good
Morning
set.
anda Billing’s
Checking out Am
tfits at the
ou
tts
Dr Sarah Po
set.
Shortland Street
Presenting
flowers to
Lady Blund
at her 90th
ell
birthday w
ith sister A
rielle.
TrueBliss
performing at
the Mystics
ANZ Cup game.
CEO Corner
Welcome to the winter edition of Sharing. It has been
a very busy time for the Child Cancer Foundation.
In the past few months the Family Support team
has been managing a high number of new referrals
and the hospitals have been very busy coping with
the usual winter bugs that make winter that much
tougher for everyone.
We continue to do our best to
support you and have some exciting
developments to report.
The first is the opening of our beautiful
new Arrowtown Holiday Home, on
the 21st of June. The new house
has been purchased by the Child
Cancer Foundation Otago/Southland
Accommodation Trust, (OSAT). The
Trust was set up in the 1980s to
provide accommodation for Otago and
Southland children with cancer and
their families who were undergoing
treatment in Dunedin at the time.
The property replaces an older house
in Williams St, Queenstown, which
was originally acquired with the
financial support of Professionals Real
Estate Group. The new Arrowfield
Mews property is a warm and sunny
townhouse and is already in use. The first
family stayed over on the 23rd of June.
Special thanks to Jim and Karen Boult for
all their hard work on this project.
The other exciting project completed
in July I’d like to talk about is our
new song - a first for the Foundation.
The all-girl band TrueBliss reformed
to write, record and perform a new
song called “A Minute of One Day,” for
the launch of our One Day for Child
Cancer Appeal in July. The song was
a key component of the campaign
and the song is now on iTunes - all
proceeds from the song will come to
CCF. The song is beautiful - TrueBliss
members Megan, Keri, Joe and Erika
did a stunning job. It has now been
sent to the Family Support team. You
can hear it at the Family Places and
at gatherings. It is especially for all
children on the cancer journey and
their families. Ask your Family Support
Coordinator if you would like to hear
it! Here is a link to the girls performing
live on Good Morning: http://tvnz.
co.nz/good-morning/extra-090712truebliss-video-4961595
Finally, I hope you enjoy your
magazine, we have some lovely family
stories to share and some beautiful
photos, stories and art contributed
for our new kids’ section. Thanks to
everyone for sharing.
Sarah Thomson
CEO - Child Cancer Foundation
Contents
Best Mates – Alex and Molly
4
National Appeal Child Ambassador Pictorial10
Sean’s Canine Buddy
5
Kids’ Section
11
Giving Back – Rama Davis
6
Health Professionals’ Report
15
A Unique Bond – Katia and Anouk
7
LEAP Update
17
Our New Parent Support Pilot
8
Regional News
19
Bartercard Foundation
23
Family Support - Meet Our Central Team 9
Cover main photo Amanda Billing, Claudia Chaney and Megan Alatini.
Photo: Kim Bartley.
Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing
3
Alex’s Best
Friend Helps
Her Through
Masterton Mum Louise Hight has
a positive philosophy when it comes
to helping her four-year-old Alex tackle
the child cancer journey.
“I believe if you give them the
space to do things they do turn
into strong kids,” she says.
Louise and her partner Scott found the perfect way to put her
approach into practice last Christmas when the family made a
dream come true for Alex, by buying her a beautiful little grey
Welsh Mountain pony called Molly.
Molly has become a major tool in helping Alex get through
her tough times. “Molly has given her something to look
forward to, someone she can spend as much time with as
she likes, whether she is feeling sick or not.”
Alex was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
in October, 2010. Like all children on the cancer journey
Alex has times when she has to be isolated from other
children when neutropenic, but she never has to stay
away from Molly.
“I don’t believe in wrapping her in cotton wool and keeping
her in her room,” Louise says. “Of course we are careful
about what Alex eats and keep her away from other people
on trains for example, but Molly is someone Alex can see
whenever she wants.”
Molly calls out to Alex, when she goes out to her paddock to
catch her. Alex puts her on the family’s float herself, and uses
a bucket to stand on so she can reach high enough to put
her pony’s bridle on by herself.
4
Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation
Alex and Molly.
“Alex’s favourite colour is pink, so she has a pink bridle and
a pink saddle blanket,” says Louise. “They have touched quite
a few hearts, those two.”
Alex is a bold little rider, already wanting to try jumping and
is the youngest member of her local hunt, which she goes
along to with her mother, on a lead rein.
She also does a ballet class once a week, and goes to Hadlow
Preschool three, half days a week, when she can. Alex adores
her little brother William (2). He is the one person guaranteed
to put a smile on her face, when she is in hospital!
“She is one determined little girl!” says Louise. And one to
watch out for in the future….
The Power
of Pet
Therapy
The child cancer journey can be a very lonely one for
children who find themselves suddenly pulled from their
normal routines of hanging out with friends and family,
going to school and playing sport or following other interests.
The Pennells family from Darfield,
Canterbury, found a way to help ease the
isolation by providing 10-year-old Sean
with a special companion soon after
his diagnosis with Acute Lymphoblastic
Leukaemia (ALL), in December, 2010
– a beautiful rescue dog called Rosco.
The partnership has been so successful
the family would like to share their
experience with others on the cancer
journey….Mum Janice explains.
Sean is an amazing, brave child. He was
diagnosed with ALL in December 2010,
after we took him to the doctors following
a period of lethargy and a loss of appetite.
Sean was 10 at that stage, an active boy
who loved his sport, his animals and was
finishing his last year at primary school.
He had just attended school camp and the
school’s prize-giving when “the bomb hit’.
We spent 10 days in hospital and were
discharged Xmas Eve – it was the greatest
feeling to be home together, even though
Sean spent most of Christmas feeling
nauseous and tired! In January it was
Sean’s birthday and together we searched
for a special gift. We looked for a dog
as we believed this would provide a
companion for Sean through his ongoing
treatment and chose Rosco, a Collie cross
rescue dog who had been picked up on
a river bed. We chose a rescue dog to
give an animal a chance and because it
was relevant at the time. We’d also been
warned about getting a younger puppy
because of the risk of infection for Sean
through scratches and sharp little teeth.
At first Sean was desperate to walk his dog
but wasn’t strong enough to take him on
a lead and we wondered if we had made
a mistake. But you should see him now.
The two have an unbelievable bond and it
is definitely Sean’s job now to take Rosco
for his evening walk. He sleeps on Sean’s
bed in the evening and is his morning
wake up call. Rosco is very responsive and
mischievous and Sean is always saying to
me “we made the right choice, didn’t we
Mum?” Both Sean and his sister Emma are
more enthusiastic to go out places as a
family if they can take Rosco.
Searching for a new dog and discussing
possible breeds was a great icebreaker
during the initial weeks in hospital when
we met many new people and underwent
numerous tests/procedures. Rosco
continues to be a great conversation
point and is a way of distracting Sean
during his ongoing treatment.
Sean even took Rosco to the Child Cancer
Foundation Pet Day and the Kidsfest Dogs
Day Out, where Rosco won an award
for his amazing singing!!! Sean has a
Sean and Rosco during treatment
Sean and Rosco now!
very giving nature and has been keen to
assist with CCF events, the Kmart trolley
dash, sausage sizzles, as well as creating
paintings for auction (he is a good artist).
Most recently, last November, he and his
dad Reg, participated in funrazor where
he was invited to help open the event at
Addington Raceway. Reg has also recently
joined the local Branch Committee in the
hope that we can be part of supporting
other families. Throughout the last 12
months CCF has been a great source of
support. During our stays in hospital there
was always a familiar face from CCF to
listen to and offer reassurance and help
and we have received petrol and café
vouchers which were invaluable during
our stints in hospital.
Sean is now back playing tennis (interclub),
swimming and returning to most of the
activities he did prior to his diagnosis. We
are extremely proud of how he has handled
his cancer journey so far and how he
accepts the continued treatments.
He made a positive start to the year at
Darfield High and even competed in the
school swimming sports and triathalon,
which is just fantastic considering where
he was at this time a year ago! He is on
daily oral chemotherapy and monthly
steroids and intravenous chemo. If there
are no setbacks Sean’s treatment will
finish in May 2014! A wee way to go yet!
We do realise that not everyone on the
child cancer journey is in a position to
have a dog, however we would absolutely
recommend it. Rosco has been a hugely
positive element in Sean’s recovery – an
unconditional friend and ongoing source
of distraction and entertainment.
Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing
5
A Story
of Giving
Back
Fourteen-year-old Rama Davis left her
treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic
Leukaemia behind over four years
ago, but she has not forgotten the
lessons she learned on the way. Now
flourishing at Whangarei Girls High
School, Rama is enjoying giving back
right across the community. She is
a wonderful, generous inspiration.
Here’s her story, in her own words.
In October 2005, when I was 8 years
old, I was diagnosed with ALL (Acute
Lymphoblastic Leukaemia). It’s a type
of cancer that occurs in the blood cells,
but you know that :)
In December 2007, I finished my
treatment. I was doing chemotherapy
so I was over the moon when I realised
I didn’t have to do any more!!
I’m 15 and I attend Whangarei Girls
High School. I’m in my second year
now and it’s going well. High school is
pretty awesome but it just came around
so fast!! I’m doing well in my classes
and my favourite subjects are Drama,
French and English. Science isn’t so
bad either... :)
At school, I’m part of the citizenship
committee so we fundraise for things
like cancer organisations and Anzac Day.
6
Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation
After I finished treatment, my mother
decided to give back to the community
and say thank you for everyone who
supported us when I was going through
treatment so we started to do volunteer
work at local charity shops, like St
Vincent De Paul, Red Cross and the
Anglican Twice Round shop. We also
did voluntary work at the Whangarei
Central Library for a bit, which I enjoyed
because I LOVE books. (actually.. love is
an understatement!) When I’m older, I
will definitely consider doing volunteer
work. Overseas, if I can too.
I enjoy helping people because I know
how much having someone there for
you means when you’re going through
a tough time. Every little bit helps. My
cancer has given me a positive look on
life, and in a way I feel privileged that
I got to go through what I did, because
it taught me some very valuable things
about life and I got to meet so many
amazing people that I won’t ever forget.
When I leave high school, I want to
go to university to study journalism.
It’s my dream to travel the world as a
journalist, meeting new people, helping
people and seeing how other people
live and what they have to go through
every day.
Thanks! :) (:
Twins
in it
Together
LEFT: Katia lying
with Anouk in
hospital.
BELOW: The twins
showing off their
certificates.
Four-year-old Anouk Collins has had a little
guardian angel at her side throughout her
journey with Neurofibromatosis – her precious
twin sister Katia.
Katia has shared her hospital bed, sat
with her through nausea and wiped her
face while she falls asleep.
The Papamoa twins were always close,
but after Anouk fell sick their bond
become even stronger.
Anouk was diagnosed with
Neurofibromatosis, a condition where
nerve tissue grows tumours. She developed
an optic glimoa, (a tumour behind one
of her eyes), and recently finished a
year of chemotherapy. She is now being
monitored every three or four months.
The twin’s mother Sara is very proud
of the empathetic nature Katia has
developed. Anouk has felt huge comfort
in having her sister right beside her
Mum
Looking for
Other
Families
With OMS
throughout her hospital treatments.
“Anouk is fine as long as she can see
Katia,” she says. “And at home in the
middle of the night when Anouk has been
sick with nausea Katia is there beside
me and taking over when I am not there.
“The girls have always been close,
sleeping beside each other, but this has
brought them even closer.”
Anouk has coped remarkably well
with her treatment and is now back at
daycare, where she recently found her
turn to look after her sister. Katia fell over
in another room and Anouk saw her and
went rushing through to comfort her and
help her up.
What a gorgeous team!
Kiera Atiga is two years old and has been diagnosed
with Neuroblastoma and the rare neurological disorder
Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS).
The condition is so rare it only affects
as few as 1 in 10,000,000 people per
year. It affects 2 to 3% of children
with Neuroblastoma.
Kiera’s early symptoms of OMS were
vomiting, clumsiness, a widened gait
and her eyes twitched when she
was sleeping.
Originally from Hokitika, the Atiga family
is now living in Auckland to be closer to
treatment. Previously they had a four
hour drive to Christchurch Hospital.
Kiera’s mother Rayma would love to
hear from any other families who have
children with this rare disorder, so that
she can hear other people’s stories.
If you can help please email
mhorsburgh@childcancer.org.nz and
she will put you in touch with Rayma.
Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing
7
Parent Support
Pilot Off the
Ground
A friendly face familiar to many in the
Auckland region is spearheading the new
CCF Parent Support pilot.
Chris Steel has been on the Auckland
Branch Committee for nine years and
is the current Chair. To add to this role
she is now employed as the Auckland
Branch Volunteer Coordinator as part of
a pilot project to develop more parent
programmes in Auckland.
The Auckland Parent Support Pilot is
a collection of parent - led activities
delivered by parent volunteers to
broaden the support and coping
mechanisms of children and families
experiencing child cancer.
Chris has a close affinity to child cancer
and knowledge of the journey. She is
a bereaved parent, having lost her son
Joshua to cancer, in 1998.
Chris is thoroughly enjoying her current
role based in the Family Place. “I feel like
I am in a good position to understand
what the journey is like and to help,”
says Chris. “The Parent Volunteer Pilot
runs alongside the Family Support Team.
CCF started as a volunteer organisation
and as it has evolved as a charity we are
lucky to have paid professionals also,
but parent volunteers are still a core part
of the organisation. The Family Support
Team and the Parent Branch Volunteers
are two passionate groups of people all
working towards a common goal - to
support children and families and ensure
they never feel alone.”
Auckland region. She has also created a
parent questionnaire inviting parents to
comment on the support programmes
they would like - whether it be
more information, support groups or
opportunities to connect with others.
After the questionnaire has been
completed Chris will develop a volunteer
programme and will start recruiting for
volunteers. If you have any questions about
the programme please feel free to contact
Chris on csteel@childcancer.org.nz. Phn:
(09) 303 9887, or 02130 3369 or pop into
the Family Place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays
and Thursdays if you are in Auckland where
you’ll find her in her office.
Chris is currently updating the database
of families supported by CCF in the
CanTeen Reminder
A reminder that once children with cancer turn 13,
they are able to access the support of CanTeen.
CanTeen is for anyone between the
ages of 13 and 24 who is living with
cancer. The organisation aims to
provide a relaxed, friendly and fun
environment where young people can
share their thoughts and feelings with
other young people whose lives have
been affected by cancer.
CanTeen’s mission is to support develop
and empower young people living with
8
Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation
cancer through a national peer support
network, and professional educational
and recreational programmes.
CanTeen was established to ensure
that no young person in New Zealand
living with cancer should ever have to
feel alone.
Contact your Family Support Coordinator
for CanTeen’s contact details.
*
FA M ILY
S U PPO RT
*
FA M I LY
S UP P O R T
*
FA MILY
SUPPO RT
*
FA MILY
SUPPO RT
*
FA MILY
S U P P OR T
The Family Support Team
In this issue we complete our trip around New Zealand introducing you to the
Family Support teams in different regions. Our final team is the Central team.
We are also delighted to welcome two new Family Support Coordinators,
Bev Randall in Manawatu and Supriya Maharaj in Auckland.
CENTRAL
NEW STAFF
Sally Black Family Support
Coordinator
Tracy Ward Family Support
Coordinator
I began
working for the
Child Cancer
Foundation in
2009 when I
completed a placement there for my
studies towards a Bachelor of Social
Work. I was fortunate to be employed by
CCF for a further six months following
my placement but moved on in 2010 to
complete my studies. Since then I have
completed my degree and have worked
with Compass Primary Health Care
developing and running the Kaiawhina
service. Within this role I received
referrals from the Outreach Nurses to
work alongside families and individuals
in the community. The aim was to reduce
barriers to healthcare by addressing social
issues. I left this role to return to the Child
Cancer Foundation last year, and have
been in my current role for 10 months.
I started with
CCF in September
last year and am
working 20 hours
per week as a
Family Support Coordinator. This fits in
perfectly alongside my other role as Mum
to two amazing daughters aged 6 and 12
and an awesome son aged 11.
I was drawn to working with the Child
Cancer Foundation due to my passion
for working within a health setting and
working with families. I soon discovered
the huge privilege it was to work
alongside and support families who are
impacted by childhood cancer.
Immediately prior to joining CCF, I ran
groups for children who had experienced
family violence. I wasn’t intending
on changing jobs, however when the
opportunity arose to work with CCF I
had a very strong sense that this was the
perfect fit for me. I’m enjoying working
for an organisation that is so well
regarded and is doing highly valued work.
I get huge job satisfaction from working
alongside children and families to
provide support. I love working in a
small professional team where everyone,
including our dedicated volunteers, has
a passion for CCF and what we stand for.
Every day I come to work not knowing
who I may meet or what my day holds,
but I love that everything stops when
a family comes into the Family Place
and we get to chat with kids, parents,
grandparents, and play and be creative.
My career in the helping profession
began during my early university days in
Auckland when I volunteered with the
Women’s Refuge. I have both counselling
and social work qualifications and have
been lucky to work overseas in Canada,
Belgium and Australia for a variety of
organisations. I have done all sorts of
things from presenting at workshops
through to midnight shifts on crisis phone
lines. You can also always find me on a
committee for one of the many school or
sporting activities my family is involved in.
What I most enjoy about my role is
working alongside children and their
families and I feel privileged to share
some parts of their journeys. Every day
is different, and every family is unique!
The generosity of people who give their
time and resources to CCF reminds me to
maintain my faith in the wonderfulness
of human nature and I’m grateful to have
the chance to see this first hand.
Manawatu
Bev Randall Family Support
Coordinator
Bev began her
new role as
Family Support
Coordinator in
Manawatu and districts in May.
Bev is warm, accepting, and relates
well to a wide range of people. She
has life experience and involvement in
community activities and is a valued
volunteer for Victim Support. She
especially enjoys interacting with
children and young adults and is very
much looking forward to being part of
the Child Cancer Foundation.
Auckland
Supriya Maharaj
- Family Support
Coordinator
Supriya replaces
Helen Frost as
Family Support
Coordinator for
South Auckland. Supriya joins the team
with a post graduate qualification in
Health Science and experience working
with families in hospital, as well as young
people and families in the community in
her role as Senior Youth Practitioner at
Odyssey House.
Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing
9
*
!
t
i
d
i
d
e
W
success.
was a great
th
n
o
M
l
ea
p
Ap
donors,
hild Cancer
s, sponsors,
er
te
n
lu
Our 2012 C
vo
r
ou
k you to all
is possible.
A huge than
who made th
f
af
st
d
an
milies
f
partners, fa
ring Beads o
moments du
e
m
,
o
es
es
ti
vi
aw
ool acti
d some
ents and sch
We capture
ev
y
an
m
e
and th
e child
s of our littl
Courage Day
eous photo
rg
go
e
and Loren
i
m
an
so
irik Punw
including
G
y,
ce
La
ey went.
Hannah
erywhere th
ambassadors
ev
s
rt
ea
h
d
capture
rite photos.
Harvey who
of our favou
e
m
so
e
ar
! Here
Thanks guys
Hann
a
Imog h Lacey a
en w
nd he
it
from
the B h the Two r sister
reeze
Robb
.
ies
Hannah
L
with her acey
v
own pos ery
ter
outside
a
Buyers k Gold
iosk.
Hannah Lacey visiting Toni
Street and Rawdon Christie on
the set of TVNZ’s Breakfast.
Girik Punwani
and his sister
Simran at his
photo shoot.
Loren Harvey
gets some tips
from Jo Watson
at her shoot.
d her little
Loren Harvey an photo shoot.
r
he
at
ily
Em
sister
Jerome Kaino
with Hannah
Lacey and Sione
Mataele at the
Rotary Regatta,
Auckland.
10
Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation
Loren, Girik and Hannah at the
Steve Price Night of Courage
miniature sulky morning.
* KIDS’ PAG ES * K I D S ’ PAG E S * K I D S ’ PAG E S * K IDS’ PAGE S * K IDS’ PAGE S * K IDS’ PAGE S * KID S ’ PAGES
KIDS’
PAGES!
Your time to shine
Child Cancer
r for the One Day for
As child ambassado
land, has had
ia Chaney, from Auck
Appeal in July, Claud
r story of one
he
is
periences. Below
ex
ul
erf
nd
wo
me
so
nd Street.
, her visit to Shortla
of her favourite days
Claudia Chaney - One Day Ambassador
for the Child Cancer Foundation
Today as we drove up to the gates of the Shortland Street
set my heart was pounding with excitement. Mum spoke
into the intercom “Claudia Chaney is here.” The receptionist
said “drive on through.” I could hardly breathe as we
walked through the door and into the building. We waited
in the reception area and then someone came out and
said Claudia Chaney may now come through. We walked
down a very long corridor and at the last door we stepped
into Shortland Street. I was greeted with the sight of all
my favourite stars. Amanda was getting ready and was
in her fluffy white dressing gown. She always looks so
beautiful. In my head I was thinking oh my gosh, I can’t
believe this. I am so so lucky! I met most of the cast, was
able to see all the sets and got a behind the scenes look
at how it is all put together. I got a small look into some
of the future storylines, but cannot say any more! Every
one of the people involved with the Shortland Street set
was so very nice. My friend Amanda Billing showed me
her dressing room, which she shares with Jacqueline Nairn
(Wendy Cooper). It is very relaxing with its fairy lights and
pictures and bits and pieces...can I have a room like that
please! Amanda said that she is going to make me a hat and
Jacqueline is going to help her. That is so cool!! Amanda is
so nice and I loved hanging out with her. She also showed
me all her clothing that she wears on Shortland Street, then
we looked at some of the other cast members dressing
rooms. I talked to Michael Galvin - he was so friendly. Can’t
believe such a nice man would be in prison! Free Dr Warner!
Amanda Billing
here, Child
Cancer Foundation
Ambassador
July has been actionpacked for us, hasn’t
it? My new friend
Claudia Chaney and
I had a whirlwind
start to the month
with a visit to the Shortland Street set,
an interview on Good Morning and an
appearance at a thrilling Mystics game where
Nineties pop group True Bliss sang our new
flagship song , “A Minute of One Day”. Phew!
People have really got behind the One Day
for Child Cancer campaign, a radio DJ in
d
Christchurch raised $7,500 by saying he’
look after a whole daycare centre full of
kids for a morning! Brave man, huh?!
People get really creative when something
really inspires them. It looks like the “One
Day” theme really inspired some of you guys!
I love the photos you sent in. Thanks for
sharing your creativity with us all.
I got to go into the makeup room, a girls dream...had a bit
of foundation put on and then a couple of minutes later I
went into the nurses’ station set. I was supposed to be just
a patient in the background with an orderly pushing me into
a room but the Director said I needed to have a bit more of a
part so Mike Edwards (Zac) made something up on the spot
and talked to me. It was so much fun!!!!!!! Mum told the
director that I had made the scene...mum!!!!! It took a while
to get the part done but I didn’t mind that was the BEST DAY
EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you everyone who helped
me have such an amazing day. Thank you Amanda for being
you. I will never forget this experience.
RIGHT: Claudia in the cast makeup room for a touch up before
going on set. FAR RIGHT: Amanda shows Claudia some of her
favourite Dr Sarah Potts clothes.
Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing
11
* KIDS’ PAG ES * K I D S ’ PAG E S * K I D S ’ PAG E S * K IDS’ PAGE S * K IDS’ PAGE S * K IDS’ PAGE S * KID S ’ PAGES
Fam ily Art Day - Dunedi n Fam ily Pla
Sam Bonney 7, Clare McAslan 13, Tenzin
Johnson 9, Sam Bonney 7, Holly Bonney
Heather McAslan, 11
‘Sharin g’ Cover Des ign
iful cover
Kelcey Roberts, from Auckland, designed this beaut
look.
could
zine
Maga
g
Sharin
next
as an example of how the
of
more
rage
encou
to
you
to
it
show
We thought we would
some
need
We
issue.
mber
Nove
next
our
for
you to have a go
competition guys!
ce
Karvarn Pettigrew, 9
rew, 5
Maddix Pettig
Fundraising for Child Cancer
I read a school journal about some children picking lemons and
making lemonade, they then made money from selling it on a road
side stall. So I decided, as we have a big feijoa bush, I would do a
similar project but with the masses of feijoas we had.
My brother Henry (6) and sister Rosa (3) and I all worked together
to pick the feijoas up and separate them into individual bags of
1kg each. I worked on a sign to attract people to buy the feijoas
and we decided that the money would go towards Child Cancer.
Instead of a road side stall we decided that the best place to sell the
feijoas was outside Flaxmere Pharmacy, which my Dad owns. First
there were 22 1kg bags, which took only 10 minutes to sell and
raised $35. The second time we collected 20 1kg bags and six 2 kg
bags (sold for $2). Fifteen minutes later there were none left and
they had raised $35. The third
time I went to the Pharmacy
with Dad and sold the rest for
another $30. This amounted
to $100.
I hope the $100 raised will go
towards helping some children
with cancer and improve
their lives.
Jessica Klingender (7)
RIGHT: Henry, Rosa and Jessica
Klingender with their successful
project.
12
Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation
* KIDS’ PAG ES * K I D S ’ PAG E S * K I D S ’ PAG E S * K IDS’ PAGE S * K IDS’ PAGE S * K IDS’ PAGE S * KID S ’ PAGES
Sione Mataele completed
treatment for Osteosar
coma
in March, 2012. Since the
n he has been lucky en
ough
to meet one of his rugby
idols, up close, not once
but
twice. Here is his story.
Counting His Blessings
Just being out of hospital and back with the family has actually been a blessing. I just want to
give thanks to the man above for giving me the strength and courage to pull thru, in that time of
struggle and to my family, doctors, nurses and everyone who were there by my side.
I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) early June
2011. I had my first treatment which was Chemotherapy on
the 16th of June 2011, I later on had surgery on the 22nd of
September to remove the cancer cells from underneath my knee
cap of my left leg, I had my final treatment earlier this year on
March 16 2012.
Being back at school has actually been a really good experience
for me, the teachers are so understanding and just being able to
see my friends has been a relief. Even though I am behind in some
of my subjects, I feel lucky because my teachers are willing to give
up their time to give me some after school tutorials.
Seeing the World Cup up close was an experience I never
thought I’d get. It was very shiny and dazzling. It made me
feel like I was playing for the World Cup too just by having a
photo with it and I also felt like a star. A priceless experience
especially knowing that it’s a cup that has been around for years.
A moment I will always treasure, especially when your own
country wins it.
BELOW: Sione and Jerome Kaino, with the World Cup.
Now that I am out of hospital I have been spending a lot of time
playing on my Ipad which I received from Make a Wish New
Zealand, jamming and making up songs on my electric guitar
and spending time with my family and friends.
Getting to meet Jerome Kaino at the regatta has been one of
the greatest highlights of my life, because as a little boy I have
been brought up watching the game of Rugby, and I actually
look up to Jerome because he is very talented. Getting to spend
the day with him on the boat was a great privilege and I felt on
top of the world spending it with one of the famous Players. He
was also very friendly and I felt like I had known him from ages
because he was easy to talk to.
‘T ha nk You’ ca rd s fo r
do no rs !
draw a picture
Family Place were asked to
Kids who visit the Auckland
ate cool
don
o
cards for people wh
on specially-printed Thank You
the first
of
Two
.
cial
ething extra spe
things to us or have done som
– Elisiva (8)
ily
fam
o
gan
hin
from the Mafua
cards to be decorated were
ul!
thank yous. Aren’t they beautif
and Moana (5) gave personal
Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing
13
* KIDS’ PAG ES * K I D S ’ PAG E S * K I D S ’ PAG E S * K IDS’ PAGE S * K IDS’ PAGE S * K IDS’ PAGE S * KID S ’ PAGES
One Day Ph
oto
Competition
The Foundati
on held an ex
citing photo
One Day for
competition
Child Cancer
for children,
appeal.
as part of July
Thank you to
’s
everyone who
sent in photos
for the One D
Here are the
gorgeous entr
ay Photo Com
ies received.
petition.
a gorgeous ne
The winner, Br
w Nokia Cool
ia
nn
a Huynen rece
Pix s30, than
contacts at M
ks to Amanda
ived
acalister Impo
Billing’s wonde
rters and Distr
rful
ibutors.
n AGE : 3
na Huyne
n
a
ri
B
:
E
ellington.
NAM
by, near W to be :
it
h
W
:
M
FRO
would like
What you Fairy Princess
ouse
Minnie M
taken at 5
NAME: Rachana Reid AGE:
re, Auckland
Sho
th
Nor
:
M
years (2010) FRO
be : An Actress
What you would like to
o
NAME: Ariana Houlihan-Pohi
r Gisborne
nea
,
ond
Orm
:
M
AGE: 8 FRO
be :
What you would like to
I grow
en
wh
r
I want to be a Horse ride
al.
anim
ite
our
fav
up because it’s my
14
Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation
rie AGE : 8
NAME: Peter Pi
ckland
Au
i,
FROM : Ranu
like
would
What you
Star
to be : A Rock
NAME: Ella Bartley AGE : 4
FROM : Mangere Bridge
be :
What you would like to
k
loo
to
s
get
also
o
wh
A doctor,
after mermaids
*
H EALTH
PRO F ES S I O N A L S
REPORT
*
H E A LT H
PRO F E SSIO NA LS
RE PO RT
*
HE A LTH
PRO F E SSION ALS
R EP OR T
SIOP 2011 - Reviewing
from a nursing perspective
After three years in the planning, Auckland hosted a
successful 43rd congress of SIOP (International Society
Paediatric Oncology), 26-30 October 2011.
In October 2011 Auckland hosted the
International Society of Paediatric
Oncology (SIOP) Conference, bringing
together the world’s largest gathering
of Health Professionals involved in the
care of children and adolescents with
cancer. Starship Paediatric Oncology
Service Charge Nurse Natalie James
has kindly agreed to share some of the
knowledge gained.
The SIOP Nursing Program
The Auckland team was delighted that
Auckland’s bid to host this conference
was successful, as it provided
New Zealand Health Professionals
with the opportunity to engage with
world experts.
In particular, Dr Faith Gibson and her
team from the UK presented ongoing
research, focusing on the question of
where adolescents and young adults are
best cared for and emerging models of
care for them. An exciting aspect of the
programme, we believe, was the symposia
on fertility in cancer care which was led
by New Zealand staff. New Zealand and
Auckland in particular have worked hard to
promote care for young people with fertility
issues related to cancer and its treatment.
It was very pleasing for our nurses and
surgeons to lead an expert panel and
promote discussion on this topic.
For nurses SIOP provided a great
opportunity to focus on education and
the development of clinical practice.
The Child Cancer Foundation (CCF),
provided some amazing support through
their Health Professional budget to
ensure that as many nurses as possible
could attend the conference and
education days.
The SIOP Nursing Program was held over
a three day period from the 28th to the
30th of October. The conference themes,
around care of children in developing
countries and care of the adolescents,
provided a framework for the Nursing
Program and we were very pleased to
have attendance from nurse experts in
these fields.
Meeting the Needs of Local
Nurses
To address the needs of New Zealand
nurses, we developed two additional
nursing education programs to run
alongside the main conference. The days
were offered free to nurses who were
registered for SIOP and to nurses from
the Pacific Islands.
1. Pacific Island and Regional Nurse
Update - 2 Days
The focus of this program was to promote
nurses’ understanding of cancer and to
support practice development. This course
was aimed at the needs of nurses who
were new to practice or for whom cancer
care was just a part of their practice, so
was ideally suited to nurses in smaller
shared care centres. Nurses from the
Pacific Islands who are an important part
of the New Zealand outreach program
were included in this stream.
2. Advanced Nursing Program – 1 Day
A number of nurses who work with
children with cancer stay in their roles
for many years and are considered to
be advanced practitioners. This group’s
learning needs are often overlooked
as there is not always access to
programmes and faculty with specialty
knowledge. SIOP brought together
a number of international nursing
experts so we were able to develop
a programme specifically focused on
advanced nursing skills and models of
care; a mix of formal sessions and clinical
skills workshops were presented.
Starship nurses: Nicola Ellis, Jane Cahill,
Gemma Aburn, Wendy Wigg.
Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing
15
*
H EALTH
PRO F ES S I O N A L S
REPORT
*
H E A LT H
PRO F E SSIO NA LS
RE PO RT
*
HE A LTH
PRO F E SSION ALS
R EP OR T
SIOP Pacific: Health professionals from
New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji and Tonga.
Highlights from the
Nursing Program
There were a number of highlights for
nurses within the program. Here are a
few that identify emerging trends in
New Zealand:
Transplant Nursing
Two nurses from North America, had
extensive clinical experience focused
on issues relating to Bone Marrow
Transplants. Rita Secola provided an
excellent overview of targeted therapies.
Of interest to New Zealand nurses she
discussed the emerging role drugs play
in the management of graft versus host
disease. Ellen Olsen focused on issues
relating to Bone Marrow Transplant for
non -malignant disorders. Transplant is
now indicated for many new conditions in
paediatrics and the care and management
of these patients is often complex and
challenging for Oncology Nurses. It was
great to hear from nurses with so much
experience and also to consider how
these new treatments will impact on
patient care and service delivery over the
next few years.
Fertility Issues
An important aspect of the nursing
program was the symposia on fertility,
which provided an opportunity to focus
on future potential technologies and
initiatives. Claus Anderson presented
results from his team’s experience in
ovarian tissue storage and transposition.
While this is still considered an emerging
treatment, there was compelling
evidence to suggest successfully reimplanting ovarian tissue can support
fertility and normal endocrine function.
There was also discussion about AMH
(Anti-Mullerian Hormone) testing as a
predicator of ovarian reserve. For young
women who have had cancer treatment,
16
Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation
this may be a useful tool to predict when
they are likely to lose their fertility. Using
this information a fertility expert can work
with young women, advising them to plan
to have children in their fertile years or to
access options for future fertility.
Within the fertility symposia we also
heard from young people themselves
about fertility issues. As they recalled their
experiences, it seemed that while not all of
them thought that fertility was important
at diagnosis, when treatment was finished
it became an increasingly important issue
to the young person. Many commented on
how important the support and advocacy
of family was at diagnosis, when they
were first confronted with information
about fertility.
Clinical Practice
Liz Dartch from Perth provided some
interesting data comparing the
risks and benefits of changing from
administering Vincristine as an IV push,
to administering it as an IV infusion. This
data was very relevant and topical, as
some New Zealand centres are currently
considering this change in clinical practice.
Showcasing New Zealand
As hosts, we had the opportunity to
really promote the great work that New
Zealand does in the care of children with
cancer. One aspect of this was to support
nurses from the Pacific Islands to attend
the conference and education days. Their
attendance helped to establish the links
that we need to continue to support
the nurses in the Pacific Island twinning
project. Amanda Cleland developed an
excellent program that provided formal
and clinical teaching based initially at
Starship and throughout the conference.
A number of New Zealand nurses also
presented papers on a variety of topics.
The most compelling of these was from
Chrissy Bond who opened the nursing
program by describing the effects the
Christchurch Earthquake had on care
delivery. She detailed how the team
at CHOC managed in the early days to
deliver care not just to the children in
hospital but to those within the city
limits where homes and streets were so
severely damaged. For the international
community, this was a reminder that
disasters can happen anywhere at any
time but that great teams like CHOC, can
continue to provide care throughout and
that rebuilding is always possible.
Nurses at the Starship Blood and Cancer
Centre were proud to act as hosts for
the conference and an important part
of this was providing tours of Starship
and in particular the 7th floor. These
tours were so popular that many people
were turned away, as numbers had to
be limited to 65. The feedback was
excellent and some of the delegates
noted that it was the highlight of their
conference. While many wanted to see
the amenities offered at Starship, there
was also an opportunity to discuss our
approach to care and this was very well
received, with some great feedback from
delegates.
For many New Zealand nurses, SIOP
provided a unique opportunity to attend
an international conference focused on
child cancer. Thanks to the support of
the Child Cancer Foundation, as many
nurses as possible were able to take this
opportunity. In total approximately 45
nurses from all shared care and tertiary
centres attended all or some of the
program. Well done CCF!
*
ARTIC L E
*
A RTI C L E
*
A R T I CL E
*
A R T I CL E
*
A RTICLE
*
A RTICLE
*
A RTICLE
*
A RTICLE
*
AR TIC LE
LEAP FINDINGS - Child Cancer survivors are doing well. The LEAP (Late Effects Assessment Programme)
Adolescent Cancer Survivor Impact Study (ACSIS) was completed in 2011 and the LEAP team is keen to share
the findings. LEAP was established in New Zealand in 2006 with three regional centres in Auckland, Wellington
and Christchurch. The Late Effects team provides long term follow up for survivors of childhood cancer. This
includes health checks, access to appropriate resources, education and psychosocial assessment and support.
The ACSIS study’s purpose was to find out how young cancer survivors feel about life after cancer, including
school, work, happiness and friends, as compared with their peers who hadn’t had cancer. This was so that the
LEAP team can better understand the problems young survivors face and how to provide appropriate support
for them. The study was the first New Zealand study to examine the psychosocial wellbeing of childhood
cancer survivors. The following is a summary of the main findings.
A Study of the
Wellbeing of
Adolescent Cancer
Survivors in NZ
Who took part in ACSIS?
Male
57%
Female
43%
Eighty percent of children diagnosed with cancer now survive.
Many return to good health and psychosocial wellbeing, while
others have an increased risk of health, emotional or social
problems due to their disease and/or treatment.
The Adolescent Cancer Survivor Impact Study (ACSIS) is the first New Zealand study
to examine the psychosocial wellbeing of childhood cancer survivors (CCS).This was
a case-controlled study in which 170 CCS aged 12 to 18 completed a multimedia
computer-based survey, which included questions about family and school life,
physical and mental health, and risk taking behaviours. The CCS survey was a
modified version of the Youth 2007 (Y’07) survey completed by 9100 college students
throughout New Zealand.
By comparing CCS responses to responses from the Y’07 students, the aim was to
understand if the wellbeing of CCS was different to that of young people who have
not had cancer.
General Health
While most CCS reported their general
health as being good to excellent, it is
worth noting that:
Comparison of CCS and Y’07 reporting of
chronic health problems or disability
40
• 35% CCS reported having a long term
health condition compared with 17%
of Y’07 participants
30
• One third of CCS reported that their long term
health condition is caused by their cancer.
10
• 24% CCS had experienced a disability lasting
six months or more, compared with 5% Y’07
participants.
CCS
Y’07
20
0
Long term health
problem lasting
6 mths or more
Long term
disability lasting
6 mths or more
Those most affected were CCS who had a cancer of the CNS. They reported problems
with everyday activities such as communicating, mixing with others, and socialising.
Ethnicity:
Euro
Maori
Pacific
Asian
72%
12%
8%
8%
Age:
Median 15.4 years
Cancer diagnosis groups:
Leukaemia/Lymphoma 49%
CNS
13%
All other
38%
KEY FINDINGS:
• In many findings CCS are
doing as well as, and in
some cases better than,
Y’07 participants.
• Most CCS report being happy,
well adjusted young people
who feel close to their family
and friends.
• CCS were more protective
of their health, reporting less
use of cigarettes, alcohol,
and illegal drugs than Y’07
students.
• CCS who had a cancer of the
central nervous system (CNS)
reported more difficulties
with every day activities,
including learning.
Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing
17
*
ARTIC L E
*
A RTI C L E
*
A R T I CL E
*
A R T I CL E
A RTICLE
*
*
A RTICLE
*
A RTICLE
A RTICLE
*
*
A Study of the Wellbeing of Adolescent Cancer Survivors in NZ continued...
MENTAL & EMOTIONAL Health
Mostly CCS regard themselves as well
adjusted young people who are happy
with their lives.
• CCS reported greater emotional wellbeing
(p=0.0003; WHO-5 scale).
• No significant difference between CCS and Y’07
participants in reporting depressive symptoms.
• For CCS, older age was associated with poorer
wellbeing (p=0.003) as was older age at time
of diagnosis (p=0.007).
World Health Organization WHO-5 scale of wellbeing
40
CCS
Y’07
30
20
10
0
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Poor
FAMILY, FRIENDS & COMMUNITY
With regard to how well they get on with their family, closeness
to their parent/s, and how much time their parents are loving
and warm towards them, there was no difference between CCS
and the Y’07 participants.
Similarly,Y’07 participants and CCS both reported having good
friendships; friends to hang-out, talk, and have fun with, as well
as good friends who look out for and help each other.
When discussing bullying and how often it occurred, there was
no significant difference between CCS and Y’07 participants.
There was also no significant difference when it came to the
importance CCS placed on spiritual beliefs or religious faith.
SCHOOL
The majority of CCS who took part in this study (88%) were still at school. Of those who
had left school, half were working and half were completing further study or training.
School missed
When it came to missing school due to their cancer and its treatment, the most
common length of time was less than six months.
Less than six months
45
Less than one year
27
One to two years
20
More than two years
8
30% CCS received at least one specific learning intervention such as teacher aide,
additional time for exams, and/or reading recovery. When looking at which CCS
received these interventions, it was:
• 71% CCS with CNS cancers.
• 23% CCS with leukaemia or lymphoma.
• 28% CCS with other cancers.
Percentge
The findings suggest that for those who had a CNS cancer and/or treatment, it is likely
to have impacted upon their learning ability.
RISK & SAFETY BEHAVIOUR
When it came to risk taking and safety CCS demonstrated more protective health
behaviours than their Y’07 peers.
Which of the following are okay for
people your age to use regularly?
40
• 85% CCS would wear a seatbelt compared with
• 16% CCS had smoked marijuana compared with
• 74% Y’07 participants (p<0.001)
• 27% Y’07 participants (p<0.002)
• 16% CCS had smoked a cigarette compared with
• 23% CCS were sexually active compared with
20
• 32% Y’07 participants (p<0.0001)
• 36% Y’07 participants (p=0.0005)
• 53% CCS had drunk alcohol compared with
• CCS also had different ideas compared to their
Y’07 peers about what is ok for young people
to use (see graph)
10
• 72% Y’07 participants (p=0.0001)
CCS
Y’07
30
0
Cigarettes
Alcohol
Marijuana Other Drugs
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the childhood cancer survivors who completed our survey. You are amazing young people who constantly inspire us
with your courage and resilience. To the Rotary Club of Newmarket Inc and CanTeen, a sincere thank you for funding this study.
Our thanks also to Dr Simon Denny and the research team at the University of Auckland for the use of the Youth2000 and Youth’07
survey data. www.youth2000.ac.nz. We acknowledge and thank the national Late Effects Assessment Programme (LEAP) team for
all they have contributed to the study. If you would like more information about the ACSIS, please contact:
• Kathy Yallop, Principal Investigator, on KYallop@adhb.govt.nz • Heather McDowell on HeatherM@adhb.govt.nz
• Auckland LEAP Long Term Follow-up Programme • Starship Blood and Cancer Centre, Private Bag 92024, Auckland 1124, New Zealand.
18
Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation
AR TIC LE
* R EGIONA L NE W S * RE G I O N A L N E W S * R E G I O N A L NE WS * RE GIO NA L NE WS * RE GIO NA L NE WS * REG ION AL N EWS
Regional News
AUCKLAND & NORTHERN REGION
Northland
On Saturday June 9th we held a Pampering Day for Bereaved Mothers at the Copthorne Hotel in Waitangi, Bay of Islands. A huge thank
you to Millennium Hotels and Resorts for their generosity. What a lovely day it turned out to be! Nine bereaved mothers came together
to enjoy one another’s company in this resplendent setting. Our honoured guests could enjoy the outdoor spa pool, take a walk on
the beach adjacent - or just ‘hang out’ in the comfortable room provided, and drink tea and chat. Each attendee was able to choose
from either a massage or a facial – 25 minutes of pure bliss. We came together for a shared lunch and conversation, before bidding one
another farewell and heading off home in all different directions. It was a diverse group of women from all different walks of life, united
- as one mother put it - by the fact that they were all members of a club that they had not chosen to join. It was a special day.
Auckland
Lady Blundell’s 90th Celebration
It has been a busy few months in
Auckland Branch. Winter may be with
us but we have had lots to do.
In Auckland, Board and staff members,
children and families enjoyed
celebrating our Patron Lady Blundell’s
90th birthday with afternoon tea in
the Family Place. CEO Sarah Thomson
thanked Lady Blundell for her continuity
as Patron since the inception of the
organisation; for her support and
wisdom and for her inspirational
leadership of CCF.
Mother’s Day was a good old scream
(louder for some than others), 40
mothers bravely went climbing on the
high ropes circuit at Butterfly Creek and
then did the flying fox. A few not so
brave (myself included) played mini golf,
this was rounded off by a delicious lunch
of hot ham and salads. All mums agreed
it was a fantastic day if very strenuous.
The fathers went fishing and I’m told what
happens on the water stays on the water
so I’m guessing they had a great time.
We also had an information day at the
Parent Centre where we had four guest
speakers talking on a variety of subjects.
The annual zoo trip was on the
5th August and was well attended as
always this is one family event that
everyone enjoys.
Just a quick note at the bottom, the
committee is made up of people just like
you, we organise all the social events.
If you think you might like to help out
we meet on the first Monday of the
month in at the Family Place in Grafton
Road. Feel free to give me a call:
Christine Steel
- Auckland Branch Chair
(09) 3039887.
ABOVE LEFT: Child Cancer Foundation CEO Sarah
Thomson speaks at the afternoon tea.
LEFT: Lady Blundell chatting with Eilish Wilkes.
New Toys for Radiotherapy
Auckland Family Support donated toys and
resources to Radiotherapy at Auckland
Hospital to provide more recreational
activities for children undergoing
radiotherapy. Children in Auckland use
the same radiotherapy facilities as adults.
The donation was happily received and
now each child coming for radiotherapy
can access a range of toys and activities to
keep them occupied.
LEFT: Ingrid Johnston-Maurenbrecher from Auckland
Hospital’s Radiotherapy Ward with Auckland Family
Support Manager Laverne Robinson.
Knit-a -thon Knitters from Auckland’s North Shore hunkered down for a 48 hour
Knit-a-thon in June, organised by the directors of the Crafty Knitwits store Linda Goer
and Kerry Bowles. The event involved 200 knitters and over $10,000 was raised, with
the final total still to be confirmed. The colourful squares knitted were sewn into
blankets for auction. The ladies involved not only knitted or crocheted the squares
but also raised sponsorships. The community effort from the local Milford businesses
supporting the effort with bucket collection and refreshments for the 48 hour vigil, and
donating items for the auction was also very much appreciated.
Kristin Fashion Show
The final Kristin Fashion show raised
$11,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation.
The show featured a number of wellestablished fashion houses such as
Adrienne Winkelmann, Trelise Cooper,
Sera Lilly and Topshop as well as
promising new designers and a Kristin
young designer. It also showcased the
unique artistic and creative talent of
Kristin’s students. The production was a
year in the making. The show has raised
$302,000 in the 13 years it has been
running – impressive. Thanks guys!
Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing
19
* R EGIONA L NE W S * RE G I O N A L N E W S * R E G I O N A L NE WS * RE GIO NA L NE WS * RE GIO NA L NE WS * REG ION AL N EWS
Regional News continued...
MID NORTHERN REGION
Eastern Bay of Plenty
We had a busy period last term with two
major fundraisers. The Rotary Club held
a Charity Golf Tournament for us and we
were the beneficiaries of the Hammerton’s
Charity Fishing Tournament. This has made
our bank balance extremely happy and we
are so grateful to the people behind the
organisation and the community for their
generosity. A local business also allowed
us to purchase firewood for our families
at cost which we are also very grateful for.
Saturday the 31st May was a relaxing
day for our mums and daughters as they
spent a day at The House Of Many Faces
having massages, saunas, spas, and
facials and manicures. Morning tea and
lunch was delivered by The Red Barn and
everyone had a great time.
Sunday the 1st of April was time for the
dads and sons to have their day. This
was a morning out fishing with Phantom
Charters. Kayaks were also taken just in
case anyone felt like a paddle. Everyone
had a great time and all went home with
fish for tea.
Tauranga
Beach Bald funrazor
The Beach Bald funrazor at Mt
Maunganui made history for the Child
Cancer Foundation, with Ports of
Tauranga CEO Mark Cairns bringing
in the highest amount ever raised by
an individual for the Foundation – an
incredible $57,189! Susan Devoy also
raised over $11,000 and together the 48
shavees raised just over $96,000, with
the event netting over $101,000. The
shavees included Moss Carlin, Dad of
CCF’s Victoria Carlin and Destiny-Faith
Coade who is just seven years old!
RIGHT: Delwynne Hahunga and Susan Devoy on stage.
FAR RIGHT TOP: Mark Cairns. FAR RIGHT BOTTOM:
Susan Devoy.
A Most Unusual Auction!
A life boat from the wrecked ship Rena
auctioned on TradeMe raised $20,800
for Child Cancer Foundation projects in
Tauranga. Port of Tauranga worker Moss
Carlin, who organised the fundraising
auction, says he is delighted with the
money raised and described it as a “great
project to be involved with”. Moss is
a member of the CCF Tauranga Branch
Committee.
The boat was one of the life boats on board
the 236m container ship Rena when it
grounded on the Astrolabe Reef on October
5, 2011 spilling hundreds of tonnes of oil
into Bay of Plenty waters.
20
Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation
Palm Beach Plaza director Greg Clarke
bought the lifeboat to use as a tribute to all
the volunteer work put in by locals to save
the beaches and protect the environment.
The Lifeboat was unveiled at its new
home at the Papamoa Palm Beach Plaza
as part of the One Day for Child Cancer
promotion on the last weekend of July.
Child Cancer Foundation would like
to acknowledge the generosity of
the following: The salvage operators
from Svitzers & Smit based in Mt
Maunganui, New Zealand Marshalling
and Stevedoring limited Mt Maunganui,
Tauranga Bridge Marina, Bay Insurance
Brokers, Mount Auto Electrical.
ABOVE: CCF Dad Moss Carlin & Fundraiser Delwynne
Hahunga receiving a cheque from Greg Clarke of
Papamoa Palm Beach Plaza from the sale of the
RENA Lifeboat.
* R EGIONA L NE W S * RE G I O N A L N E W S * R E G I O N A L NE WS * RE GIO NA L NE WS * RE GIO NA L NE WS * REG ION AL N EWS
Tairawhiti / Gisborne Branch
The Emergency services of Gisborne including St John’s
Ambulance, the NZ Fire Service, Coastguard and Police combine
forces each year to organise and run Young Nick’s Fishing
contest in aid of Gisborne Branch. This is the single biggest
fundraiser of the year (by far) and is so very appreciated by the
Branch and Gisborne families. We hope to contribute half of
the money raised toward a much-needed redecoration of the
treatment room at Planet Sunshine (that’s the children’s ward at
Gisborne Hospital). The aim is to make the treatment room more
child-friendly, safer and less stressful for children who receive
treatment there. The rest of the money will go directly towards
supporting our local children and families on the childhood
cancer journey.
In support of National Appeal, one of Gisborne’s rural schools,
Ormond School, held a “wacky hair day”. Children who took
part donated a gold coin to the Child Cancer Foundation, and in
addition the proceeds from a hotdog lunch were donated. A big
thanks to Ormond School and community.
We also held another holiday art day, with children making
framed artwork on the theme “something special to me”.
Sometimes we create artwork to give away as thank yous to
donors, but this time they were keepsakes that each person
took home to put on their wall.
CENTRAL REGION
Counsel in Concert
For the last three years, something
extraordinary has been happening within
the legal profession in Wellington. More
specifically, once a year a group of very
talented individuals from across the legal
fraternity get together for a fundraising
concert that is simply stunning. The event
is known as Counsel in Concert, and it
was the brainchild of the Crown Law
music group, and the event was driven by
Merran Cooke, Assistant Crown Counsel.
The first concert was in November 2009
and was a masterpiece of music over
a lunchtime performance that saw a
packed house at the unique venue of St
Andrew’s on the Terrace. From the very
first note of the “Arrival of the Queen
of Sheba” the audience were captured
by the talent of this group of musicians
from across Crown Law, and the wider
Wellington legal profession.
Since then, there have been two
more concerts, and each one has built
upon the last. The concert in 2010
included the soprano soloist Deborah
Wai Kapohe, and she attended again
last year, much to the delight of the
audience. The concert had become such
a success in 2010 that there had to be
two performances last year, and both
were to a packed house.
The uniqueness of the event is not
just the setting at St. Andrew’s, nor
indeed the fact that there are so many
talented musicians from across the
legal profession, but that everyone who
performs does so as a volunteer to raise
money for our Foundation. The entire
choir and orchestra give up their time for
many months before the event to practice
over lunchtimes. The orchestra includes
some members from the New Zealand
Symphony Orchestra and the Vector
Wellington Orchestra, and the conductor
is Owen Clarke from the Central Band of
the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
The concert is well attended by many
members of the judiciary, including the
Chief Justice and the Solicitor General.
However, entrance is by gold coin
donation and so a great many people
from all across the city of Wellington
know that it is something special and
ensure that they attend. I’ve been
fortunate to attend all three concerts, and
it really is a highlight of my year. We have
been very fortunate to be the recipients
of the donations for the last three years,
and are very grateful to this very talented
group for all they have done for us.
- John Robson
TOP: The choir and orchestra made an impressive
sight. ABOVE: Organiser Merran Cooke thanking
participants.Photos: Tim Kelly Photography
Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing
21
* R EGIONA L NE W S * RE G I O N A L N E W S * R E G I O N A L NE WS * RE GIO NA L NE WS * RE GIO NA L NE WS * REG ION AL N EWS
Regional News
continued...
CANTERBURY REGION
South Canterbury Branch
The South Canterbury branch has
been involved in a few activities over
the past months, including a very
successful funrazor event which raised
approximately $10,000. Well done to
all, and especially to those participants
whose heads and faces went under the
scissors or razors on a not too warm
evening. We are gearing up for another
funrazor in October.
We were pleased that two of our siblings
were able to attend the siblings camp
at Living Springs in November 2011.
The camp had been cancelled earlier
in the year due to the earthquake and
the children involved thought that they
would miss out. However, due to some
very good management and organisation,
they had a marvellous time. Thank you to
the organisers and helpers.
Our National Appeal Day in South
Canterbury raised $5,500 - up on last
year - so an excellent result in what are
hard times for people.
Christchurch
Lachie Sutherland and other children had
a wonderful Sunday night of pizza and
ice cream with Crusaders Kieran Read
and Corey Flynn, in Christchurch Hospital
recently. The ice cream was donated by
Deep South who will be donating four
tubs every month in the future. The
sprinkles came from Variety Products.
INTERNATIONAL
Tonga Update
Their main activities are:
Dr Jane Skeen, Paediatric Oncologist
Starship Blood and Cancer Centre and
Janet Mikkelsen, Starship Paediatric
Palliative Care Nurse Specialist and
Paediatric Oncology Nurse, visited
Tonga from 29 May to 1 June, funded by
the NZAid Medical Treatment Scheme
visiting Medical Specialists.
- Capacity building of the CCF-T through
establishing an office with necessary
equipment, and building a network
with other organisations.
They were invited to present at a lunch
hosted by the Child Cancer FoundationTonga (CCF-T). Child Cancer FoundationTonga was officially inaugurated in
March 2008 with support and guidance
from Child Cancer Foundation NZ.
CCF-T’s Patron is Crown Princess
Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho.
CCF-T has been very successful in
fundraising and has recently purchased
a three bedroom house “Petani House”
situated at Fanga - a short distance
from Vaiola Hospital, Nukualofa, Tonga,
which will function as an office and a
drop-in /resource centre for families.
22
Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation
- Ensuring financial sustainability
through annual fundraising.
- Providing support for families of
children with cancer through monthly
support for telephone, transport, and
grocery bills.
- Promoting the understanding of the
nature of childhood cancer and to
be an advocate for children with
cancer and their families through
public awareness programmes such
as TV programmes, and publicity of
International Child Cancer Day, Tonga
Cancer Day, and Memorial Day.
- Planning a long term plan for financial
and medical support for children
with cancer.
BELOW: Janet Mikkelsen and Dr Jane Skeen with
some of the members CCF-T, outside ‘Petani House’.
*
FOU NDATI O N
PA RTN E R
*
F O UN DAT I O N
PA RTNE R
*
F O UNDATIO N
PA RTNE R
*
F O UNDATION
PAR TN ER
Bartercard
Foundation
The Child Cancer Foundation has completed a successful first
year partnership with the Bartercard Foundation.
We were very fortunate to be selected by the Bartercard
Foundation as their chosen charity for 2011 – 2013, and have
benefited hugely in our first year through $55,000 Trade Dollars
raised. We have been able to offset family event costs, awareness
and fundraising campaign costs, take part in Bartercard trade
shows and tap into a vast new business network.
Bartercard Trade Dollars have been used to offset costs in a
variety of fundraising campaigns including the Child Cancer
Foundation National Appeal, where marketing and publicity
materials, videoing, banners and photography for feature events
were purchased using Trade Dollars.
Branch family events have also been supported through
Bartercard. Bouncy castles and other entertainment were bought
for the Auckland Christmas Party, a sound system was hired for
Memorial Day and equipment has been hired to assist volunteers.
The Bartercard Foundation has held their own successful
fundraising events and promotions for the Child Cancer
Foundation, including Gold and Platinum Luncheons.
The Child Cancer Foundation is looking forward to further
benefits over the coming year of the two-year relationship.
We are very grateful to the Bartercard Foundation and
Bartercard Members for their generous support of children with
cancer – it has made a huge difference to what we can do.
Bartercard is the world’s largest trade exchange. It facilitates
barter exchange between member organisations, freeing cash
flow and guaranteeing new business. Members earn Bartercard
Trade Dollars for the goods and services they sell and this value
is recorded electronically in the member’s account database.
TOP RIGHT: CCF has had the opportunity to take part in Bartercard tradeshows.
Pictured from left are Jade Taylor, Sophie Armitage and Megan Horsburgh.
RIGHT: Trade Dollars supported the Steve Price Night of Courage.
BOTTOM RIGHT: A Bartercard member helped us film Jerome Kaino shaving his lid
for a brave kid! BELOW: Bouncy castles were hired with bartercard dollars at the
Auckland Christmas Party.
Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing
23
Huge thanks to all our fantastic sponsors, we couldn’t do it without you!
GOLD STAR
SPONSORS:
MAJOR FUNDING
PARTNER:
FOUNDATION
PARTNER:
SPONSOR
AND SUPPORT
PARTNERS:
FUNDING
PARTNERS:
Guardian Trust | Pelorus Trust | Southern Trust | Lion Foundation | Four Winds Foundation | Infinity Foundation |
Robinson Trust - Diana and Andrew Robinson | New Zealand Lottery Grants Board | BA Lewis Charitable Trust |
Youthtown Trust | Ernest Hyam Davis Trust | Kathleen Dorothy Kirkby Charitable Trust | Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust
| Thomas George Macarthy Trust | NZ Community Trust | The Elaine Gurr Endowment Trust | Mt Wellington Foundation
| The Trusts Community Foundation | The Mainland Foundation | NR Thomson | Eastern & Central Community Trust |
Trust House Foundation | Community Trust of Mid & South Canterbury | Sir John Logan Campbell Residuary Estate |
Constellation Communities Trust | Endeavour Community Foundation | Pub Charity | North and South Trust Limited
| Alexander Harold Watson Charitable Trust | VMD Collier Charitable Trust | Jack and Marjorie Ferrier Charitable Trust |
Charles Rupert Stead Charitable Trust.
Every child and their family walking the child cancer journey will never feel alone.
National Office
PHONE 0800 4 CHILD
FACEBOOK Visit Child Cancer
76 Grafton Road
Grafton, Auckland 1010
PHONE (09) 366-1270
(0800 4 24453)
EMAIL info@childcancer.org.nz
WEB www.childcancer.org.nz
TWITTER Foundation page
ChildCancerNZ