Committee |
Patron - Dame Lois Muir
In January 2002 well-known sportswoman, Dame Lois Muir, agreed to become our Patron. Dame Lois handled her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in a characteristically positive way.
Dame Lois is a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, a well-earned recognition for her dedicated services to sport.
Dame Lois represented New Zealand in both basketball and netball and coached the New Zealand netball team for an unsurpassed 15 years until 1988. The award recognises her service to netball and in administration. As well as being involved in the administration of Netball New Zealand Dame
Lois has also served the Sports foundation, the Hillary
Commission, the Masters Games and the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame into which he herself was inducted in 1993. She has coached the Otago Rebels in recent years.
As a breast cancer survivor Dame Lois is a wonderful role model to women who have experienced breast cancer and we are proud to have her as our Patron.
National Committee
Introducing Committee members 2011-2012: Anne Iosefa, Angela Anderson, Violet Lawrence, Barbara Mason, Kim Sipeli, Keith Clark and Sharon Unasa. Also part of the BCN team are Administrator Heather Stonestreet, Editor Sue Claridge, and Designer Debra Tunnicliffe, whose valuable professional work we depend on and greatly appreciate.
Anne Iosefa
Anne was diagnosed in 1989 "out of the blue" as having a largish breast tumour and after checking alternatives, [for which little information was available at that time] had a mastectomy-reconstruction done. She was introduced to BCN by a friend who also had been in treatment, and became interested in this outward-looking group who were not bogged down in establishment-only treatments, having enquiring minds. Since that time prevention has become her consuming interest, working in concert with other energetic members of the committee towards this end, with an ongoing project - "Stop Cancer Where it Starts".
Violet Lawrence
Kia ora, my name is Violet Lawrence, a five-time stroke and breast cancer survivor. I was impressed with BCN's attitude and decided to volunteer as a Maori woman who supports wahine who are going, or have gone through the problem where I am at. I was diagnosed as HER2 cancer and going through a treatment cycle 3 of Herceptin or Trastuzumab and feeling fantastic. Ka kite ano.
Barbara Mason
From 1975 to 1996 I was a scientific officer for the Auckland Breast Cancer Study Group and then employed on a Health Research Council Grant studying insulin-like growth factors in breast cancer. During this time Barbara Holt invited me to meetings of Breast Cancer Action (now Breast Cancer Network) and I have been on the committee since 1998. Leaving oncology nursing and entering research satisfied my desire to contribute to prevention and cure of cancer. It is this same desire and the enjoyable company that keeps me on the Breast Cancer Network committee.
Sharon Unasa
I attended the BCN 2010 AGM with a family member who was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2008 and had an operation plus radiation. Only a month ago after having follow-up tests, she got the all clear. She did not feel any lump in her breast and it was only picked up on a routine mammogram. From the AGM I was inspired to help spread the word about prevention and factors that contribute to breast cancer. Not knowing a lot myself about preventative measures, causes, treatment etc, it has been a huge learning curve for me.
Bonnie Reid
I joined BCN as Office Administrator in January 2012. I am happily married with two sons, and enjoy our tranquil life in the countryside. This role suits me perfectly as I have an extensive background in Office Management, as well as a deep desire to help others. Also, I am a qualified Hypnotherapist who has worked with women learning to balance their mental, emotional and physical well-being. I am thrilled to be a part of the BCN team, contributing positively towards their focus of breast cancer prevention.
Sue Claridge – Editor Upfront U Kaiora
Coming from the happy position of not having had breast cancer, becoming editor of Upfront, now Upfront U Kaiora, was a steep learning curve for me. While I thought that I was pretty well informed about breast cancer issues, being a woman concerned about my health and the mother of a daughter, in reality I have found that the whole business of breast cancer, from diagnosis through to post treatment life adjustment, is a complicated business.
There are a number of issues which come up time and again. I am a staunch advocate of the rights of women to obtain information and to make informed decisions about their health. Sadly, I am coming to the conclusion that this is as big an issue for women with breast cancer as it is for any other sector of the community dealing with health issues. Women faced with breast cancer are particularly vulnerable and it is essential that they feel that they 'own' the decisions surrounding their care and recovery. I hope that in my role as editor of Upfront U Kaiora, I can help inform women and facilitate more informed decision making.
My husband Bryan and I have two children, Stephie and Jordan, and a loopy Rhodesian Ridgeback, Marley. I'm passionate about writing, organics, the environment and a better, healthier life. In my 'free' time I enjoy photography, house renovation and building furniture and one day I'll get back to camping, skiing and other outdoor pursuits.
Debra Tunnicliffe - Designer Upfront U Kaiora
Debra has been the designer of Upfront U Kaiora since 2003. Her Aunt-in-law and former BCN member Marie Hastings, suggested she take on the challenge. As a freelance Graphic Designer and mum of two pre-schoolers, life is busy. With an interest in writing for children, Debra has recently had three educational children's short stories published. She enjoys travel, camping and exploring New Zealand's beautiful hideaways.