Kiwi Stories |
Jan's Story
On 14th October 2009, I went to check the mail. As soon as I opened the letterbox, I knew who the letter was from. I felt my stomach do a slight flip-flop as I ripped open the envelope right there and then: ....read more
Tracey Asher's Story
In the early 1990s, a short time after Tracey Asher lost her loved mother to breast cancer, she was one of a small team of talented graphic designers working to set up Next magazine for ACP Media. After Tracey's sad experience with breast cancer she wanted to help in some way. She responded to a call from BCN for volunteers, and offered a logo design as her contribution.
At the time there were just a few NZ breast cancer groups and Breast Cancer Network was known as the "ginger" group, not being afraid to question the status quo or encourage women to speak out. Tracey designed a logo that challenged, while representing the mana* and identity of Breast Cancer Network. The logo honoured her mother's 8 year struggle with cancer and was strong enough for BCN to hold its head up proudly amongst local and overseas groups. It first appeared on the front page of Upfront magazine in 2000, and with only minor change continues to identify the organisation today.
*status of respect (Maori)
Shelley's Story
Shelley was diagnosed with breast cancer at 41 years. She had a double mastectomy followed by aggressive chemotherapy. She says that "although the chemo made me very sick I used to go swimming on my ‘not so sick' days, and it both lifted my spirits and improved the mobility in my arms.” ....read more
Sue's Story
No Breasts great shoulders! .....read more
Robyn's Story
I can still remember minute details from the day I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 1995. ....read more
Jane's Story
If a fortune teller had told me that in October 2001, at the age of 45, I'd be diagnosed with breast cancer and would have a mastectomy and chemotherapy, I would've asked for my money back. .....read more
Linda's Story
We were at the end of 4 weeks at the beach and the indentation on the underside of my breast had got bigger over recent weeks. .....read more
Sian's Story
In August 2001 I found the lump after doing a breast exam. ....read more
Ruth's Story
On the 1st November 1999 I had a Left Mastectomy. ....read more
Lynne's Story and the Livlif Project
In 2004, to celebrate Lynne's10th year as a breast cancer survivor she planned an exciting art project. ....read more
Sue McL's Story
Sue at 49yrs in 1996 just knew she would write her BC journey - "The Unremarkable Nipple" and from there. ....read more
Wendy Steenstra-Bloomfield's Story
I recently had the opportunity to talk to Wendy Steenstra-Bloomfield, one of the founders of what is now the Breast Cancer Network. ....read more