Stacey Morrison encouraging people from Whanganui to host a get-together in May to raise funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

Stacey Morrison is encouraging the people of Whanganui to host Pink Ribbon Breakfasts in May to raise funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. Photo / Supplied

In 2018 people from Whanganui organised a total of 25 Pink Ribbon Breakfasts to raise funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

Will they beat that total in 2019?

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ ambassador Stacey Morrison is encouraging as many Whanganui people as possible to host a get-together in May.

Morrison's connection with the cause is personal as her mother Sue died of breast cancer aged 45.

She says that when you experience grief, it helps to do something proactive, which is why she became a BCFNZ ambassador.

"Mum was very community-minded. She absolutely would have embraced Pink Ribbon Breakfast," Morrison said.

"I always love seeing the Pink Ribbon Breakfasts hosted by people all over New Zealand. It's a positive way to support the cause, to honour a strong survivor you know or in memory of someone special."

Approximately 40 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the Whanganui area.

Chief executive at Breast Cancer Foundation NZ Evangelia Henderson said the funds raised will help support New Zealand research into many aspects of breast cancer, including vaccines and immunotherapies.

"We must push relentlessly for scientific breakthroughs. Without research there will be no progress," Henderson said.

"Breast cancer patients deserve all the support they can get while enduring what can be gruelling treatment and we are able to make a real difference in many patients' lives."

With more than 3300 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year and 600-a-year still dying, there is no let-up in the need for research and support.

Money raised will also help support patients by funding advice, counselling, physiotherapy, group exercise programmes and lymphoedema treatment.

"We are also funding a breast cancer national register which tracks patient treatment and outcomes," Henderson said.

"This register will help us compare patterns and trends across New Zealand, and against the rest of the world, to help identify areas for improvement."

Registrations are now open for Pink Ribbon Breakfast and both Marton and Taihape will also be looking to host more than their totals of seven and five respectively in 2018.

"We want Kiwi women to have the best possible treatment and both research and support are a huge part of that," Henderson said.

"So, please, host a breakfast. Your help will make a real difference."