Pink Ribbon volunteer driven to raising cancer awareness

Napier Area Co-ordinator, Maggie Hanlon is passionate about fundraising for the Breast Cancer Foundation.

Volunteering for the Breast Cancer Foundation is a cause that is close to Maggie Hanlon's heart.

Having lost her mother in 1981 to breast cancer and her twin sister to ovarian cancer in 2008, and with the BRCA gene herself and in one of her two daughters, Ms Hanlon has committed her life to raising awareness and vital funds.

The BRCA gene runs through her family, past and present, with 17 women losing the battle to either breast or ovarian cancer.

"With me having the BRCA gene, I have a mammogram yearly and I'll have it until I'm 70. I also see the BRCA specialist at Hastings Hospital once a year."

Upon moving to Hawke's Bay in 1996, Ms Hanlon decided to take the next step and become a voluntary collector for Daffodil Day.

"As the years slipped by, and with my darling twin sister being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I decided it was time to change my direction and be a voluntary collector for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal in support of her family members," Ms Hanlon said.

"My twin sister put up a fight for six years, losing her battle to cancer in 2008, which made me more determined to help fight this terrible disease.

Ms Hanlon has been a volunteer collector for more than 14 years and has been the Napier area co-ordinator for four years.

Her passion for vintage china has also helped her support the cause. Her first effort combining the two was the High Tea Fundraiser at the Gentleman's Club in Napier for the "Sushi Sisters" in 2014 - a group of women all diagnosed with breast cancer within weeks of each other.

She was so moved by the attitude from all who attended that she decided to continue supporting any Breast Cancer Foundation breakfasts, breast cancer high teas and breast cancer charities by sponsoring these events, and will help in any way possible.

The Breast Cancer Foundation's biggest national fundraiser, the annual Pink Ribbon Street Appeal, will be on October 13-14, but area co-ordinators for some areas are still needed.

Waipawa, Waipukurau and Saturday in Dannevirke still require willing volunteers to put their hand up as area co-ordinator.

There are 350 area co-ordinators around the country and 9000 volunteers.

Ms Hanlon needs 200 willing volunteers this year in Napier and surrounding suburbs for the Pink Ribbon Appeal.

Last year's appeal raised $815,000 across the country.

Breast Cancer Foundation (BCFNZ) chief executive Evangelia Henderson said the funds raised would help make up for the shortfall in dollars available for research in New Zealand.

"We have top-notch researchers working in the hottest areas of cancer research, such as vaccines and immunotherapy, but often there's simply not enough money to take their work forward to a stage where patients can benefit."

"With the latest life-prolonging drugs often beyond our reach, New Zealand doctors and researchers have a vital role to play. BCFNZ helps fund clinical trials that can give patients access to otherwise unaffordable treatments, studies into making better use of existing drugs, and the development of new medicines here in New Zealand. BCFNZ also helps with early detection, education and support," Ms Henderson said.

Said Ms Hanlon: "We need all women not to be afraid of mammograms as they can detect a lump much smaller than a human hand.

"There is a saying, 'It's as easy as TLC'. TOUCH both breasts and feel for any lumps or thickening. LOOK in front of a mirror to note any physical changes in shape skin or nipples and CHECK any breast changes with your doctor, even if you have had a mammogram recently," Ms Hanlon said.

For more information visit: https://www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/