Royal Oak Teams Gather for Pink Ribbon Breakfast

On Tuesday 21 May the Connected Support Network team based in Royal Oak gathered with teams from Addictions Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services (ASARS), Salvation Army Social Housing (SASH) and the Family Store to hold a Pink Ribbon Breakfast and fundraise for breast cancer awareness and research. Their collaborative efforts raised over one thousand dollars.

The event was organised by Major Julie Cope (Women’s Ministries officer), with help from Katie Douglas and Major Bronwyn Aldersley. Julie explains, ‘Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in New Zealand women. One in nine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, with 650 dying from the disease every year.’ These statistics are startling and emphasise the need for women to have regular mammograms.

Recently diagnosed with breast cancer and currently undergoing treatment herself, Julie is passionate about raising awareness about the prevalence of breast cancer and educating people about the Breast Cancer Foundation and the support they offer.

‘When I found out I had breast cancer, I discovered the incredible resources available online through the Breast Cancer Foundation. I had everything I needed—every possible support. You don’t have to go through it alone, and there are podcasts, webinars, books and many resources. I wish I had been more aware of what was available when I was supporting others going through the same thing.’

Major Bronwyn Aldersley (ASARS officer support and national mission director) explains, ‘We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. The Pink Ribbon breakfast created opportunities for conversation and enabled people to talk openly and deeply about their experiences with breast cancer—their own and that of family members. The more we talk about it the better.’

What’s not talked about, or known by many, is that men can also get breast cancer. But because there is no screening it goes undetected until it is very advanced. ‘It’s an everybody issue really,’ says Julie. ‘We need to support the Breast Cancer Foundation so that research continues—especially in these days with the controversy around funding medication.’

Julie explains that her present mantra as she faces breast cancer herself is a quote from Holley Gerth: ‘In God’s wise plan, what may look like ends are really only corners, leading us toward a fresh view of his goodness and grace’.