Blood Cancer NZ

Big congrats to Amelia, the winner of our Shave for a Cure giveaway! 🧡

Earlier this month, Amelia bravely shaved her head for Blood Cancer NZ's Shave for a Cure, raising over $1,000 for Kiwis affected by blood cancer. She is now taking home a $125 bundle from Two Dudes, full of skincare products that aren't just for the dudes!

Thanks to everyone who sent in their photos and got involved. Every entry helped spread the word.

Learn more about Shave for a Cure here: www.shaveforacure.co.nz

Days after returning from a trip to Samoa, Mel reached behind her back and felt a sudden pain, thinking she'd pulled a muscle. It was myeloma.

With her husband Michael and their children by her side, and support from Annette and Natasha from Blood Cancer NZ, she faced a stem cell transplant, weeks of gruelling nausea, and a retirement very different from the one she’d imagined.

"I just take one day at a time. I want to get on with my life and be really strong through all of this," says Mel.

Read more about Mel's incredible journey here:
https://www.bloodcancer.org.nz/patient-stories/mels-story

Some more lovely snaps of Nurses and hospital staff across the country receiving our gifts in recognition of their amazing work. Thank you for all you do! ❤

September is Wills Month ❤️

There’s a lot people don’t know about leaving a gift in their Will, so here are three things worth knowing:

Your family can come first. You can provide for the people you love, then leave a share of what’s left to a cause that matters to you.

Small gifts matter. A gift doesn’t need to be large to make a meaningful difference for Kiwis facing blood cancer, and to support research into better treatments.

You may not need to start again. If you already have a Will, adding a gift may only require a small update. It’s important to talk to your lawyer to make sure any changes are made correctly.

Just a few things worth knowing, whenever the time feels right for you.

Learn more here: https://www.bloodcancer.org.nz/get-involved/ways-to-donate/leaving-a-gift-in-your-will

Just weeks after unexplained bruises began appearing on his body, nine-year-old Parker was diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia.

With his mum Renee, brothers Jasper and Coen, and Tim from Blood Cancer NZ by his side, he faced a bone marrow transplant, six weeks in isolation, and weeks apart from the brothers he’d always been inseparable from.

"I started to see the happy light we were losing in Parker come back," says Renee.

Read more about Parker's incredible journey here:
https://www.bloodcancer.org.nz/patient-stories/parkers-story

Today is World Cancer Research Day 🌍

This year marks the tenth anniversary of World Cancer Research Day, a decade of global advocacy that has brought together researchers, patients, healthcare professionals, research funders, policymakers and citizens all working towards a future with better outcomes for everyone affected by cancer.

This World Cancer Research Day, join us in championing research that is meaningful, inclusive, and benefits everyone.

Find out more via the website: https://worldcancerresearchday.com/

Want to learn more about the research we support at Blood Cancer NZ? Visit our website here: https://www.bloodcancer.org.nz/research

Another thank you to the amazing nurses & health care workers at Middlemore Hospital!

We’re so grateful for the hard work, care, and kindness you give to patients facing blood cancer every day. ❤️

More than 10,000 people have signed the Forbidden Pharmacy Open Letter calling for better access to medicines in Aotearoa.

Today the 17 patient organisations behind the Forbidden Pharmacy campaign delivered those voices to Parliament; where representatives from all of the major political parties came out to meet us and receive the Open Letter.

Amanda Broughton, patient and advocate, shared her story and delivered the Letter on behalf of New Zealanders.

But this isn’t the end. The Open Letter is still open, and we want even more New Zealanders to add their names.

A huge thank you to everyone who has signed and shared so far. 10,000+ voices are already making themselves heard — let’s keep building that number.

And, in true Wellington style, the weather made sure we earned the moment.

Add your support - https://tinyurl.com/forbiddenpharmacy