- Southland mother Lynne Laverty encourages locals to host Pink Ribbon events this May.
- Her personal journey highlights the life-saving importance of early breast cancer detection.
- Pink Ribbon Breakfasts raise funds for research, education and support for breast cancer patients.
A Southland mum is urging locals to take part in this year’s Pink Ribbon Breakfast campaign to support Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.
Lynne Laverty, from Winton, was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer in 2008 when she was 41. Her treatment included a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and a year on the targeted therapy Herceptin. Today, she remains on hormone-blocking medication.
“Although I was scared beyond belief, I had two beautiful daughters – aged 9 and 12 at the time – and I fully intended to be here to see them grow up,” says Lynne.
Now, sixteen years on, Lynne is hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast to raise awareness about early detection. “I never checked my breasts because I never thought breast cancer would happen to me, but it’s so important to know what’s normal for you. I’ve drilled the message into my daughters that early detection gives you the best chance for the best outcome.”
Lynne and her friend Maree held a Pink Ribbon afternoon tea in March, ahead of the May campaign, as Maree will be overseas. The gathering brought together 20 friends for food, connection and a shared purpose.
“You don’t need to have loads of people, and it can be anything you want it to be. Any amount raised is a good thing, and Breast Cancer Foundation provides resources to help you with organising.
“It’s so important to get together and share knowledge because breast cancer can and does happen to anybody. Everyone knows someone who’s been through it, I think that’s why so many people were happy to come along and donate. I love the community aspect of it,” Lynne adds.
Pink Ribbon Breakfast is Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s biggest fundraising drive. The campaign supports thousands of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year by funding patient support, research, and education.
Foundation chief executive Ah-Leen Rayner says: “As a charity that doesn’t receive any government funding, we are completely reliant on wonderful people like Lynne who support us.
“Pink Ribbon Breakfast is all about getting together with your friends, family or colleagues, to show some love for the 3,500 women diagnosed with breast cancer in New Zealand each year.
“Our goal is to make sure none of these women have to die from breast cancer and the more people we can encourage to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast in Southland, the sooner we can beat breast cancer, together,” Ah-Leen says.
The official Pink Ribbon Breakfast Day is 22 May, but events can be held any time from March to June. Registered hosts receive a free pack with resources and ideas.
To register or find out more, visit pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz