August 2013 - Child Cancer Foundation
Transcription
August 2013 - Child Cancer Foundation
sharing AUGUST 2013 One Day 2013 INSIDE: Amanda and Emilie INSIDE THIS ISSUE: IFE LUCY’S L o aniotot m E H T in WIREMU our history recorded Daily Contacts National Office 76 Grafton Road, Grafton Auckland 1010 PHN (09) 366 1270 FAX (09) 377 9395 WEB www.childcancer.org.nz or freephone us on 0800 4 CHILD (0800 4 24453) Child Cancer Foundation throughout New Zealand: NORTHERN REGION The Family Place PO Box 152, Shortland Street Auckland 1140 76 Grafton Road, Grafton Auckland 1010 PHN (09) 366 1270 FAX (09) 377 9395 EML [email protected] Hawkes Bay Branch Tony Bryan PHN (06) 878 2229 MOB 027 570 5908 EML [email protected] PHN (03) 365 1485 FAX (03) 365 5102 EML [email protected] Christchurch Branch Grant Upjohn PHN (03) 359 9200 MOB 027 492 5427 EML [email protected] Northland Branch Louise O’Hagan PHN (09) 437 3181 MOB 021 044 4613 EML [email protected] Central region The Family Place PO Box 7062 Newtown, Wellington 6242 27 Riddiford Street, Newtown Wellington 6021 PHN (04) 389 2620 FAX (04) 389 2690 EML [email protected] Auckland Branch Chris Steel PHN (09) 298 9065 MOB 021 303 369 EML [email protected] Wellington District Branch Dean Bradley PHN (04) 479 4162 MOB 021 407 125 EML [email protected] South Canterbury Branch Mark Leonard PHN (03) 684 6161 MOB 021 149 2141 EML [email protected] Waikato Branch Vincent Tuioti PHN (07) 853 5277 MOB 027 230 3691 EML [email protected] Manawatu & Districts Branch Leanne Fecser PHN (04) 495 1144 MOB 027 354 2038 EML [email protected] Tauranga Branch Debbie Roberts PHN (07) 542 0086 MOB 021 542 022 EML [email protected] Otago/southland region The Family Place PO Box 579, Dunedin 9054 28 London Street Dunedin 9016 PHN (03) 471 7258 FAX (03) 471 7259 EML [email protected] Eastern Bay of Plenty Branch Yvonne Osborne PHN (07) 307 0939 MOB 027 211 9129 EML [email protected] Nelson Branch Jeannette Bent PHN (03) 543 2324 Central Otago Branch MOB 027 454 3232 EML [email protected] Lynda Read PHN (03) 445 1299 Marlborough Branch EML [email protected] Nanette Buchanan-Brown Southland Branch PHN (03) 574 1228 Jo McAslan MOB 027 338 2086 PHN (03) 207 2550 EML [email protected] EML [email protected] Taranaki Branch Dunedin Branch Victoria Lewis Gloria Johnston PHN (06) 751 3035 MOB 022 100 4756 MOB 021 156 1653 EML [email protected] EML [email protected] Lakes Branch Win Macmillan PHN (07) 345 8144 MOB 027 476 3010 EML [email protected] Canterbury/West coast region PO Box 1846 Christchurch Mail Centre 8140 297 Russley Road, Avonhead, Christchurch 8042 Tairawhiti Branch Louise Savage PHN (06) 862 3716 MOB 027 260 2750 EML [email protected] 2 Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation North Canterbury Branch Francie Clark PHN (03) 327 9489 MOB 027 749 6990 EML [email protected] North Otago Branch Sharon Greaney PHN (03) 431 3914 MOB 021 265 1350 EML [email protected] Contents Advice to Relieve Anxiety 11 Kids’ Section 12 7 The Latest Firefighters Calendar 15 The Outward Bound Experience 8 Health Professionals’ Report 16 2013 National Appeal Pictorial 9 Our Brilliant Supporters – Professionals 17 Our History Book is Launched 10 Regional News 18 Addie – Back with her Family in Palmerston North 4 Lucy’s Life in the Maniototo 6 Wiremu’s Journey Cover Main Photo: Amanda Billing and Emilie Johns. Photo: Kim Bartley CEO Corner Welcome to spring. When the snow and freezing weather conditions hit with force in June, I thought of you all, and especially those of you in Canterbury and the deep south. Our Family Place in Christchurch closed during the worst of it. I so remember the winters of Culverden where we often had really cold weather. Some of you know I am a Winnie the Pooh fan. Recently a friend sent me one of his quotes. I want to share it with you because it summed up for me, Canterbury…anyway. “It’s snowing still,” said Eeyore gloomily. “So it is.” “And freezing.” “Is it?” “Yes,” said Eeyore. “However,” he said, brightening up a little, “we haven’t had an earthquake lately.” I was fortunate to escape the New Zealand winter briefly in May. I attended the Australia and New Zealand Child Haematology Oncology Group (ANZCHOG 2013) meeting in Melbourne. The conference was a fantastic opportunity to learn and develop ideas. The things that I learned at this conference will be extremely beneficial for many years to come. I am very pleased to report that the Foundation’s support has contributed to securing new funding of a three year membership to ANZCHOG’s Australian Children’s Cancer Trials. The $100,000 membership to trials has been funded by one of our top supporters, Doug Catley. Thank you very much Doug. In other progress, on 29 May we celebrated 35 years since the inauguration of the Child Cancer Foundation Inc. To mark the occasion we are publishing ‘No Journey Made Alone, 35 years of the Child Cancer Foundation’, written by Bee Dawson. It is to be launched in Auckland on Wednesday 21st August. The book’s publication is very significant as it represents the only recorded history of both the Foundation and paediatric oncology in New Zealand. Finally we have been evaluating Sharing. The aim is to ensure we develop the magazine so it continues to meet the needs of children and their families on the child cancer journey. We have had some really valuable feedback and I am looking forward to seeing some of the thoughts integrated into our November magazine. In the meantime enjoy your read of this month’s edition. Isn’t the photo of Amanda and Emilie on the cover gorgeous? The two got together to help us promote our One Day for Child Cancer campaign, which ran throughout July. We also have some very special written contributions, in particular on the kids’ pages. I am sure you will appreciate them. – As Pooh said, “sometimes” the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” (A.A. Milne) Enjoy spring. Sarah Thomson CEO - Child Cancer Foundation Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 3 A Never to Be Forgotten Celebration! Addie Torok’s two year birthday party held in June in Palmerston North was a double celebration. Just days earlier Addie completed treatment for Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) and so not only did she celebrate her birthday milestone at her party, she also received her Purple Heart, the Bead of Courage® given at end of treatment. It was a perfect day for Addie who was diagnosed with LCH when she was seven-months-old and has since been through 15 months of chemotherapy, 86 blood transfusions, seven operations, four biopsies and six months living in Starship Hospital. Watching on with enormous pride and relief at their local school hall was Addie’s mother Tracy who chose to mark the occasion in her way by shaving her head in tribute to Addie, donating half of the funds raised to the Child Cancer Foundation’s Manawatu District. The birthday was the first that Addie could celebrate with her parents Tracy and Rob, and brothers Jackson (6) and Samuel (3). Addie “lived” in the bouncy castle hired for the day, says Tracy, and had a wonderful day. On average four to five cases of LCH are diagnosed each year in New Zealand. It is found less commonly in girls and can affect many different organs. In Addie’s case, it has affected her skin, liver, spleen, bone marrow and the gut, (the first diagnosis of gut involvement in New 4 Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation Zealand). LCH behaves like a cancer and is treated similarly. Addie was initially treated on the standard protocol, but when this did not control her disease, her treatment was intensified and the chemotherapy was administered more frequently for 10 months. She has 1,500 Beads of Courage®. From the end of January this year to the end of July, Addie and Tracy stayed on the ward of Starship Hospital in Auckland, with Tracy breastfeeding Addie. Prior to Addie’s illness Tracy had worked in childbirth education and was a stay at home Mum as much as possible. The isolation and being tied to Starship was very stressful. Rob had to stay in Palmerston North to look after the two boys and work, and the strain of treatment was extremely tough for everyone. Not knowing what the outcome would be for Addie was the hardest part. Tracy found a way to help her get through her depression and panic attacks. ABOVE: Addie with her Beads of Courage®. “I found that while watching TV, my mind still travelled. Crocheting was an awesome way of controlling my breathing.” she says. Addie was the inspiration for Tracy to start a small business called Haddies, a quirky fun hat-creating enterprise. “There was a silver lining to the journey,” she says. Tracy has also faced difficulties explaining to people exactly what her daughter was facing. “People expect it to be leukaemia or a tumour, when they hear about the chemotherapy. I just explained it is very rare and that the Langerhans cells had decided to attack her organs and it was treated like a cancer,” she says. Tracy found great relief and support from her Child Cancer Foundation Support Coordinators in Auckland and Manawatu. “They understand - the empathy, not sympathy, was amazing, I would have been lost without it,” she says. “Janet (Masina) in Auckland just seemed to know when she needed to walk into the room at the right moment. I loved that at CCF I was ‘Tracy’, not Addie’s Mum as I was everywhere else. “At home in Manawatu, a voucher would turn up the next day after I had been struggling or Bev (Randall) would arrive around at the door with support,” she says. Tracy decided to give back to the Child Cancer Foundation through her head shave. “It was indescribable how liberating it felt to do that, more than I thought, it’s hard to explain.” She is happy with her new look even if it is a bit cold at night. Having to put a beanie to keep warm before going to sleep is nothing compared to what Addie went through. Back at home in Palmerston North Tracy and Rob are getting used to this new phase of the journey. Tracy says it’s a very strange feeling for the family to transition from being completely dependent on the staff at Starship Children’s Hospital and the medical teams in Palmerston North – to now being left to be ‘normal’ again. Addie has been developmentally assessed and is currently sitting at five months behind her chronological age. “Addie was born seven weeks early and also spent six months fighting for strength in hospital, so this assessment is pretty good going for a little girl who has been through so, so much in the two years she has been here,” says Tracy. Onwards and upwards. Addie is a true miracle! • Tracy is starting a group to raise awareness on histio illnesses. She has started a community support group on Facebook called Histio Helpers – New Zealand. TOP: In hospital. ABOVE: Addie with Mum and Dad at her birthday party. FAR LEFT: Addie with her brothers Sammy (left) and Jackson near time of diagnosis. Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis is part of a group of clinical diseases called histiocytoses, which are characterised by an abnormal proliferation of histiocytes. It is a rare disease of the immune system that may affect any age group. It can affect many different organs, including the skeleton, skin, lymph nodes, liver, lungs, spleen, hematopoiesis, or central nervous system (CNS). Accordingly, the range of clinical symptoms is wide. There are two widely recognised disease extent categories: single-system LCH (involvement of a single organ or system) and multisystem LCH (involvement of two or more organ systems). Treatment differs depending on whether it is a single system or multisystem disease. Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 5 Lucy’s Life in the Maniototo Isolation is part of every child’s cancer journey, but the Falconer family, who live on a station in the Maniototo, Central Otago, are more remote than most. Their 4,000 hectare deer station is prone to being cut off from the rest of the world by both flooding and snow. Their internet is only made possible through a satellite connection. Distance has become more of an issue for the family since five-year-old Lucy was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in February 2012, but they have coped remarkably well. Lucy was diagnosed with ALL two days before one of the biggest events on the Falconer’s station calendar - the big annual bull sale (male elk). She was flown Lucy has had a run of infections common to Christchurch and didn’t get back home to children on treatment, but also for three months. contracted viral meningitis in February this year. Then no sooner had the family Late June’s floods and snow caused concern got home than Lucy’s little brother for Lucy’s Mum, Mary and Dad, John. Charlie came down with chicken pox, Though if Lucy fell sick they reckoned meaning another dash to Dunedin for the farm’s four wheel Landcruisers with immunoglobulin injections for both snorkles and double chains, “could get children to protect Lucy. through most closed roads.” Despite the additional challenges, Lucy There is only one GP in their nearest has an idyllic lifestyle in Central Otago. town, Ranfurly, which is half an hour away with a population of 400. The “She has only nine children in her class at family drive to hospital in Dunedin, Maniototo Area School, and everyone knows two hours away for less complicated everyone and is so supportive,” says Mary. treatments other families usually have in Lucy loves farm activity including the their regional hospital. annual bull sale, which she was able to be part of this year after missing out in 2012. Mary and John generously donated half a percent of the sale profits to the Child Cancer Foundation this year. With agricultural company PGG Wrightson matching the donation it amounted to several thousand dollars. “Lucy also has a lovely little pony named Spaz - we didn’t name him,” jokes Mary. “He really looks after her and gives her confidence.” The region is very sporty and Lucy is not yet able to take part in other activities so her pony is wonderful for getting her outside and active. With nearly 10,000 acres (40 square kilometres), grazing will never be a problem and Lucy is looking forward to many happy times ahead with her pony and life in the Maniototo. 6 Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation WRN’s Journey Wiremu Royce Newport Tina Newport has kindly agreed to share her family’s story of their son Wiremu’s cancer journey. The Newport family live in the Waikato. We often thought about whether we would be blessed with a son. Years were going by, and three of our daughters were already adults with the fourth being ten years old. Time wasn’t on our side biologically but.... Treatment started practically straight away. Support networks like Child Cancer Foundation made themselves known to us, we were introduced to Ronald McDonald House, the doctor came and empowered us with information about the disease and after a few days the cloud surrounding our heads was slowly dissipating. Before we knew it our yearning wish became a reality on the 12th of June 2009 with the entrance of our long awaited taonga Wiremu Royce Newport (WRN) born Suddenly lumbar puncture, bone marrow @ 12 minutes past 6 and weighing 6lb 12oz. aspirates, PICC line, hickman line were common in our vocabulary. We were So our son was born, life was good and entering a new world and through each our treasured taonga played happily, often phase of treatment you learnt new words seen following his father around and being to grasp and process. his happy shadow. All of a sudden our So in November our son was diagnosed son had a bout of Tonsillitis that couldn’t with an aggressive form of Acute be healed with antibiotics and when his Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). We spent health didn’t improve and his lymph glands a fortnight on the ward and a fortnight were terribly swollen, his sister prompted staying down at Ronald McDonald us to take our son to a medical centre we House. Then home we went for a few hadn’t yet visited. So to Anglesea Medical days and returned to Auckland for our Centre he went where luckily the doctor review meeting. This meeting revealed thoroughly questioned my husband and that his leukaemia was still aggressive, said that he had to be taken for blood tests however it then went from ALL to Bilineal first thing in the morning. Acute Leukaemia or Mixed Phenotype Who was to predict that by the afternoon Acute Leukaemia, a combination of both Acute Lymphoblastic and Acute Myeloid of the 6th of November 2012 our world as we knew it swiftly changed? We were Leukaemia which now changed the whole treatment structure entirely. Our son was also told that our beautiful boy had a now to undergo radiation therapy. ATG, form of Leukaemia. The word ‘cancer’ intense chemotherapy and finally a bone now became a part of our world. marrow transplant and this took place on Early the very next morning we were the 25th of March 2013. transported to Starship Hospital – Daily prayer became normal. Tremendous Haematology/Oncology Ward 27B and support from whanau and friends was 27A(Clinic) and the vastness of it all embraced, and love, prayers and positive set in. Devastation, loneliness, self pity, thoughts were sent our way daily. thoughts of why our only son, gloom and doom, head stuck in a thick cloud became Excitement was certainly in the air when the norm for a while. However there will WRN’s blood counts started to show on the scale. In just three weeks WRN always be that question with no answer. improved and he was discharged from the bone marrow transplant unit. Six days out of the unit and again our world went into turmoil. A common and could-be-fatal complication arose and our son started experiencing tremendous stomach pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. These set in fast, our son lost two kilos in just two days and he became dehydrated and very lethargic. A few days later he was diagnosed with Graft vs Host Disease of the gut which is a known complication, especially if the bone marrow donor is unrelated. This, the GVHD journey on the ward, lasted for six weeks and at times we had intense scary times. GVHD healing is certainly slow. We were discharged from hospital with ten medications, each with their own side effect, the most peculiar one is cyclosporin an immunosuppressant with a hairy side effect, oh and prednisolone with the tantrum side effect. Three months after the transplant and a month after GVHD, my son’s chronological age is hovering around at least 60 years old. He’s still yet to master eating, and stomach pains, and wanting to vomit are still occurrences. However we visualise and pray for a prosperous and abundant future with good health for our son, and wish the same for all children and young people who are facing, or have faced a life threatening journey. No reira he mihi nunui ki to tatou kaupapa a Child Cancer Foundation, nana tetahi hei manaaki hei tiaki i a matou i runga i tenei huarahi, kia kaha hoki ki nga whanau i mauiuitia te mate pukupuku. Paimarire. Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 7 Do You Know About Our Personal Development Grants Programme? The purpose of the Child Cancer Foundation Personal Development Grants Programme is to assist children who have been diagnosed with cancer, their brothers, sisters or parents/primary caregivers, to achieve their personal educational and developmental goals. Below is an example of how one parent benefited from the programme after he was funded to go on an Outward Bound course in Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds. Dan lives in Tauranga with his wife Alicia, five-year-old Max who has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, and his brother Finn, who is three. Max is due to complete treatment for ALL this month. He has been fortunate to have a relatively uncomplicated treatment with fewer setbacks than some other children encounter, but as in all families on the cancer journey, every family member has been affected. Dan values being the best he can be throughout life, in particular as a parent and family member. He has wanted to do Outward Bound to challenge himself physically and mentally. Outward Bound is a charitable trust which aims to inspire personal and social development through outdoor challenge and adventure. “My philosophy is you are not going be any good to anyone else if you don’t get yourself right,” says Dan. Right from day one of the eight day experience in April, Dan relished the physical adventures, which included rock climbing, high ropes, tramping, kayaking and sailing. He was particularly intrigued to see how he would cope during his two night solo bush challenge, when he was left alone with nothing but a tarp and very basic food (some carrots, raisins, apples and water). During the isolation Dan wrote a reflective letter to himself, which organisers will post to him in six months time. Dan’s isolation was a little tougher than that of the other participants, as Max was due to have chemotherapy the same week. All phones were taken away from those taking part on the first day so there was no checking in, although Dan was contactable through team leaders if there was an emergency. 8 Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation “The whole thing was life changing,” says Dan. “I can’t pinpoint any one moment, but two specific things have come out of the experience. “I now make time to finish work early every Friday to pick up my children, and I have taken on a project”. Tauranga Hospital has space set aside for a children’s playground, but there is nothing on it. Dan has decided to lead a fundraising effort to develop the area for the children’s ward. He has been inspired to put his skills as a self-employed marketer to greater good. In addition to starting the new project, August will be a very special month for the Necklen family. Not only will Max complete treatment but the very next month the family is expecting the arrival of a new family member, with Alicia due to give birth. What better milestones could the family wish for? If you would like to find out more about the Child Cancer Foundation’s Personal Development Grants Programme (formerly known as our Scholarship Programme), please speak to your Family Support Coordinator. 3 1 0 2 l a e App The crowd enjoying the fun and entertainment at the Mount Beach Bald 2013 on, (provided by The hot air ballo on) was t s Ho Air Ballo John Snodgras ads of Be e th lights of one of the high milton. Ha in y Da n ® Fu Courage Family l Lain ri Internationa CEO of Zesp n Jed so d ol ar ye s 11 Jager, and hi dad s hi n School. Whe for from Te Puna do to g in go t he was ds la r told him wha he ot a team of six CCF, Jed and ned up. sig so al ol Scho from Te Puna CCF a m Hilto bassador n Mc Cullo colle ugh ct of his ing in fron t poste r! CCF child ambassador Myah Tasker celebrated her birthday on Beads of ® Courage Day. Max Sim cox and Jacob Beal sh aved th eir head at Puke s tapu Sc hoo togethe r raising l $2500. Jerome Kaino and Steve Price. Katrina Grant shaving Steve Price’s head. Joe Cotton, Megan Alatin i and Aman perform at da Billing the Steve Pr ice Night of Courage. Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 9 Child Cancer Foundation 35th Anniversary - Our History In May we celebrated the 35th anniversary of the inauguration of the Child Cancer Foundation Inc. The Foundation was incorporated on the 29th of May 1978, and the first ever AGM was held a week later on 7th June in the Princess Mary Children’s Hospital. To mark the occasion we are publishing ‘No Journey Made Alone: 35 years of the Child Cancer Foundation’. This book has been completed by author Bee Dawson and will be launched at Highwic in Auckland on Wednesday the 21st of August. The book captures the spirit of the Child Cancer Foundation, and is a tribute to those people who had the strength and fortitude to make a difference in the lives of children and their families over the last 35 years. CCF Chair John Robson says in the book’s foreword: “It is a reminder of the dedication and bravery of our health professionals, who have had an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of our children.” The book also touches on one person who was instrumental in the work of the Foundation for almost 35 years – Lady June Blundell, who sadly passed away 31 October 2012, inspired many people and is greatly missed. Other chapters centre on life members, previous chairpersons, CEO’s and executive directors, family support coordinators, volunteers, families and sponsors. Further details about the book’s availability will be published in our November Sharing Magazine. NATIONAL AWARDS Congratulations to the recipients of the Child Cancer Foundation SaveMart Awards. The wonderful volunteers were nominated by their branches for these inaugural awards. Thank you very much to each of you for your diverse and much valued contributions. Thank you also to our valued sponsor SaveMart for making the awards possible. 10 Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation SaveMart Community Service Awards Distinguished Service Awards Craig Adams - Otago/Southland Dave Johnston - Otago/Southland Alliance Group - Otago/Southland Aracelli Boer - Tairawhiti Susan Abey - Otago/Southland Patty Dunseath - Tairawhiti Mike Hanlon - Canterbury Malcolm White - Northern Craig Maxwell - Central Anne Shirley - Northern Sheila Brown - Northern Tam White - Northern Fastway - Northern Jocelyn Torepe - Canterbury Marion Andrews - Northern Community Service Awards Alesha Murray - Central Sue and Murray King - Central Maurice Carlin - Northern Violet Bazil - Northern Lee Costello - Northern 12 Ways for Parents to Help Ease Children’s Fears and Anxieties Should you find yourself visiting hospital with a sick child, there are a number of ways in which you can help them. Talking to them about what is happening and being involved in all the decisions made about your child’s health care will help all the family to cope with this situation more effectively. You are an important member of the health care team. Your knowledge of what helps your child, and what may make them more anxious or distressed, is very useful information. Before your child undergoes any treatment, it is important for you to know as much as possible about why your child is unwell, what procedures will be done and what choices are available. This will help you to feel less anxious and in turn, will help you support your child to manage any fear and anxieties they may feel as a result of a medical procedure. If your local hospital has a play specialist then he or she may be able to advise you on how to help your child cope with illness, treatment and hospitalisation or contact the Hospital Play Specialists Association of Aotearoa/New Zealand at [email protected] - Information kindly provided by the Hospital Play Specialists Association of Aotearoa/New Zealand Find out what will ha ppen. Know why yo ur child needs a procedure, how it might feel and how long it will last. Consider being with your child during th e procedure – discuss this beforeha nd with the doctor or medical staff. Explain to your child simply but truthfully why the procedure is needed , what they can expe ct to feel, see and hear and w ho will be with them throughout. Try to avoid creatin g undue concern, bu t do not make promises that you ca nnot keep, e.g. do no t tell them that a procedure will no t hurt unless you ca n be sure of this. If your own fears an d concerns are such that they are making yo ur child more anxio us , talk them through with medical staff or with other supportive adults ou t of your child’s hear ing. Encourage curiosity and exploration. En sure that staff caring for your child explain to him or her (not just to you) wha t they will be doing an d the purpose of the equi pment they are usin g. Reassure your child that the hospital do ctor’s office or clinic is not a pu nishment and it is no t necessarily a place where child ren will experience pain. Encourage your child to ask questions an d to express any conc erns they may have . Where possible use simple language and explain the meaning of unfamiliar terms they may hear, e.g. “a naesthetic”. When describing a medica l procedure try not to use words that have double meanings or which may be frighte nin g, e.g. use “special medicine” instead of “dye”; “numb” or “m ake sleepy” instead of “deaden”; “make an opening” instead of “cut”. Help your child man age pain or discomfo rt. Many coping strategies can be us ed to help reduce an xie ty and perceptions or pain and discom fort, depending upon yo ur child’s age, e.g. squeezing your hand and saying “o uc h” , distraction with bubble blowin g, songs or stories, de ep steady breathing, video games or mus ic. Afterwards, comfort your child in whate ver ways are soothing and reassu ring to them, e.g. by holding, rocking, touching or strokin g. Encourage play both before and after proc edures. Playing, painting, an d storytelling or sto ry w riting give children control, he lp them to express their feelings, understand what is happening, and cope with unfamiliar or difficult situations . Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 11 * KIDS’ PAG E S * K I D S ’ PAG E S * K I D S ’ PAG E S * K IDS’ PAGES * K IDS’ PAGES * K IDS’ PAGES * KID S ’ PAGES KIDS’ PAGES! LEFT: Xavier and Mum with Captain Feathersword and Anthony. BELOW: Oliver, Xavier, Mackenzie and Neve with new Wiggle Lachy. Your time to shine Xavier Michelle celebrated his birthday recently with the Wiggles. How lucky was he?! His birthday just happened to be on the same day that the Wiggles (his favourite people in the world) were having their concert in Dunedin. To top that off Xavier, his brother Oliver and friends Mackenzie and Neve were lucky enough to get to meet the Wiggles prior to the show. Xavier was definitely star struck and it couldn’t have been a better birthday. After the concert Xavier had a Wiggles themed party at home with family and friends. Xavier is on treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Hi my name is Tatyanna. I was diagnosed with stage four Neuroblastoma when I was 11 weeks old. When I was 10 months old I reached the end of my treatment to find that the tumours had returned. They sent me home with my mum and dad and gave me three weeks to live. Today I am 11-years-old. Recently I had an amazing adventure with my mum that I would like to share. Mountain Biking the Heaphy track Recently, I mountain biked the Heaphy Track, situated in the Kahurangi National Park, it is 78.4 Kms long. It was a great challenge, was great fun and I really enjoyed it. The first day we grinded uphill for 6hrs, when we got to the top it was well worth it, the D.O.C ranger had made us pikelets which was a great surprise. Day two was over the Gouland Downs and past the “Famed Boot Tree”; even with a misty rain this area was beautiful. That night there was a MASSIVE Hail storm that lasted for three hours and we woke the next day to heaps of snow all around the hut which was absolutely amazing! Day three was 6hrs long, the first three hours had plenty of uphill which was a challenge in the snow, the last three hours being all down!! It would have been “Such fun” but we had no brakes left. The final two days were as amazing as the previous days; however the West Coast delivered different scenery with the waves crashing on the beach and Nikau Palm trees all around. It was a really fun adventure but I was glad to eat Non-dehydrated food when I got back!!! Tiana Gray 2, Fielding 12 Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation Nikhil D’Cunha passed away on the 5t h of November, 20 11. His twin brother Yo han, (14), wrote the attached poem for Nikhi l on the first anniversar y of his death in Nov 20 12 to remember Nik hil. He would like to sh are it. * KIDS’ PAG E S * K I D S ’ PAG E S * K I D S ’ PAG E S * K IDS’ PAGES * K IDS’ PAGES * K IDS’ PAGES * KID S ’ PAGES Smiley Riley Ariana’s Speech This is Ariana Pohio’s school speech that she wrote last year. After writing it she was sick for six weeks and never got to say it at school. Ariana is nine and attends a small rural school. The topic for the speech was “what we are thankful for”. Ariana has been in remission for two years since her cancer treatm ent. 1. Hello. Ok you have asked me to speak about what I am thankfull for, well if I had to write it all, it would be a book bigger than the Guiness book of records!! So I am going to speak of some people who I am thankfull for. 2. 4 years old and I got sick, then at 6 years old I got really sick again it was cancer. When I found out I was sick again I was really sad. I went to Starship hospital in Auckland for 9 months. 3. When I was there all my friends from school and Gisborne sent me cards, gifts and lots of love for this I am thankfull. My sister Anita and my nanny would travel to visit me and my mum. They would stay at the Ronald MacDonald house “ WOW WHAT A PLACE”. We still stay there when we go back for check up’s. 4. I am thankfull that we have some where to stay. One trip when my nanny and Anita came to visit they brought my cat Roger. This was the best it made me feel ‘SOOOO” happy. We got to hang out in a place called pet corner for a whole afternoon. 5. Then he went and st ayed at my new friend Helen ’s House. I was so than kfull to see my cat and for ever yone who h elped get him to Auck land. 6. There are lots of really good doctors and “FUN” nurses in starship and gisborne hospital. They made christmas fun with dressing up and decorating the ward. For my Birthday they had LOTS of party poppers and crazy string “MY ROOM WAS A MESS”!! 7. When the Doctors or nu rses do a procedur e I would ge t a bead to represent what they di d to me. I know have over 3,000 be ads of courage. 8. The Doctors were so good that they made me well again. And here I stand before you and for this I am thankfull. :) Eleven-year-old Gabby Devine, from New Plymouth started treatment for Ewing’s Sarcoma early this year and is looking forward to completing treatment next month. She would like to share this song. Summer time. Oh,oh, oh it’s summer time And everyone is being so polite I got to stay cool And go to the pools Because it’s summer time we can do what we like Because it’s summer time we can do so many things Addie Jane Torok 2, Palmerston North (Her name was written by her big brother) You have to know tired play to know You have to know pain better to know ache know You have to tickle to know You have to know rest ready to know ital You have to know hosp home to know g ceilin You have to know sky to know d scare know to have You safe to know You have to know isolation embrace to know es edur proc You have to know finished to know more one know to You have over to know You have to know wait now to know You have to know yuk yum to know still know You have to cuddle to know You have to know jab joy to know You have to know hurt hug to know ouch You have to know kiss to know ist pers know to You have win to know You have to know Riley brave to know You have to know Riley courageous to know You have to know Riley fighter to know You have to know Riley to know Smiley Woolmer, ine This poem was written by Lorra ’s school Mara Riley at who is a teacher aide land. Auck in ol Scho - Royal Oak Primary . Riley to te tribu a She wrote it as We can stay in the sun And have so much fun We can lay in the sand If you pass me your hand Because it’s summer time we can do what we like Because it’s summer time we can do so many things It’s summer time and the sun is setting down It’s time to go outside and hope for a great day tomorrow Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 13 * KIDS’ PAG E S * K I D S ’ PAG E S * K I D S ’ PAG E S * K IDS’ PAGES * K IDS’ PAGES * K IDS’ PAGES * KID S ’ PAGES Trent Dick (14), charity with recently raised $500 for draising fun a gh his artwork throu aru. He Tim in s auction. Trent live February in ALL h was diagnosed wit in May ent atm tre 2008 and finished other any like life 2011 and is living ll, tba foo g yin pla healthy teenager ms dru the g yin pla , listening to music . can he ver ene and drawing wh Autumn A carp et of grass still has the morning dew left dead on it. The leaves merge on the ground. The colour grey vaca tes my life, Transforming into ora nge and yellow. A choir of birds tun e my ears and echoes through tree s, Leaves begin to da nce along . I gaze at the mount ain of leaves thinking , “Should I bomb?” That thought to me , was a st raight away, “Ye s!” Bombs away! By Megan Tansey, Age 9 Waimairi School, Ch ristchurch We would like to introduce a new page to celebrate children who have finished their treatment. We’ve seen this in overseas publications and think it would be a nice addition for Sharing Magazine. Let’s celebrate our positive milestones. If you would like your name included in our next magazine please email your name to Megan, [email protected] by the end of September to make our November 2013 issue. Justus Reid-Toka 6, Auckland Tysyn Reid-Toka 5, Auckland Friendship Bracelet Supporting Child Cancer Jewellery entrepreneur Kat Gee of Kagi has created a unique turquoise friendship bracelet in partnership with the Child Cancer Foundation (CCF). Turquoise has long been a symbol of friendship, strength and protection, so it is fitting that this bracelet is using the magic of these stones to support children with cancer. Show your support of the Child Cancer Foundation with this limited edition friendship bracelet. $10 from every $69 bracelet sold goes directly to the charity. Treat yourself or surprise a special friend by purchasing your bracelet at: www.kagijewellery.co.nz Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation 14Billing Amanda and Lulu as Child Cancer Foundation Ambassadors * FU NDRA I S I NG * F UN DR A I S I N G * FUNDRA ISING * FUNDRA ISING * FUNDR AIS IN G Firefighters Calendar Goes From Strength to Strength The 2014 edition of the New Zealand Firefighters Calendar will be available for purchase from October. The Firefighters Calendar has developed a very strong tradition since it was launched in 1990, and is now the longest running Firefighters calendar in the world! Over the 23 years that the calendar has been produced it has raised an astounding $700,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation. This has contributed significantly to the support we have been able to provide for children with cancer, and their families. We can’t tell you who is featuring in this year’s calendar, as it is strictly under wraps until they hit the streets, but we have been lucky enough to be involved behind the scenes in one of the shoots and can’t wait to see the final product! For many years Les Presling was the driving force behind the calendar, working tirelessly to produce it annually, and we would like to thank him sincerely for his dedication to the Child Cancer Foundation. Once again this year the New Zealand Firefighters Sports Association is producing both a men’s and women’s calendar. The women’s calendar was introduced for the first time last year and has been positively received. The Spirit of Generosity A special thank-you from Child Cancer Foundation to Tony Gorton, Mike Guy and the team at Cardinal Logistics for their incredible support. Cardinal’s continued commitment and generosity has made a very real and meaningful difference for children with cancer and their families. The Association’s Business Manager Heather Stanley and Production Manager Tony Scott took up the reins from Les last year and have been dynamos. They have already introduced several fantastic new promotional ideas to make the calendar even more successful than ever, including a new launch event. A huge thank you to Heather, Tony and Les who have generously given their time and expertise to produce the calendar, and to all the Firefighters who graciously suffer the good-natured ribbing of their colleagues, to grace its pages. Calendars can be ordered at www. childcancer.org.nz from September 16th. One Day for Child Cancer A huge thank you to our beautiful ambassadors Amanda Billing and Emilie Johns who fronted our One Day for Child Cancer campaign which ran throughout July. Lots of wonderful events took place to support the hopes and dreams of children with cancer. We also ran the “One Day Dance Challenge”. People were asked to choreograph and perform a dance set to “A Minute of One Day” which was written for the Child Cancer Foundation by TrueBliss last year. We’ll let you know who the winner is in the next edition of Sharing. The Cardinal Logistics Charity Golf Days have raised a staggering $375,000 for the Foundation over the past 14 years. What an outstanding contribution from everyone at Cardinal Logistics, along with the support of their Golf Day charity partners, JLT New Zealand and Whitford Park Golf Club. On behalf of the many hundreds of children with cancer and their families who have benefited from your generosity, we sincerely thank you all. Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 15 * * HEALTH PROFE S S ION A L S ’ R E P O R T * H E A LT H PROFESSIO NA LS’ REPORT * HEA LTH PROFESSIO N ALS ’ R EP OR T Health Professionals’ Report Karyn Bycroft, Nurse Practitioner, Paediatric Palliative Care Service, attended the 1st European Congress on Paediatric Palliative Care in Italy, supported by the Child Cancer Foundation Health Professionals Fund. Karyn was keen to share her experience in Sharing Magazine. 1st European Congress on Paediatric Palliative Care, Rome. I would very much like to thank the Child Cancer Foundation for their on-going support of the Paediatric Palliative Care Service at Starship Children’s Hospital, and in particular, financial support through the Child Cancer Foundation Health Professionals Fund to attend this conference in Italy. Oral Presentation The paper I presented was Changing the language: Integration of “allow natural death” into the National Children’s Hospital in New Zealand (Bycroft K., Jamieson J). The presentation was well attended and the feedback was very positive. Attending the 1st European Congress on Paediatric Palliative Care, and presenting a paper, was a most wonderful and worthwhile experience. I felt very privileged to attend such a relevant conference to my role, to network with leading international health professionals in this field, and to be able to share some of the work we are doing here in New Zealand. My presentation was on a perspective of the work the Paediatric Palliative Care Service at Starship Children’s Health has led. Allow Natural Death (Te Wa Aroha) process focuses on communicating with children and families about end of life care. The concept of Allow Natural Death was originally introduced to New Zealand by Jess Jamieson, Paediatric Palliative Care Social Worker at Starship Children’s Health. She was a co-author with me on this paper however did not attend the conference. Conference Highlights Presentations on a range of issues relating to Paediatric Palliative Care were very worthwhile. The first day included some great presentations from world renowned people in this field. Topics included: • Palliative Care as children’s right • A young woman’s and a family’s experience of Paediatric Palliative Care in Italy • Ethical issues • Grief and Bereavement There were a number of presentations on symptom management. The one that I gained the most insight from was on sleep disturbance and daytime agitation in severe neurological conditions. This is certainly a recurring issue in my clinical practice in children with a range of conditions. The session highlighted the urgent need for a validated assessment tool for sleep disturbance in this patient group. There were three other presentations that I would like to mention and that I will certainly be following up on. They were: • Communication and support in paediatric palliative care – A family perspective. Ulrika Kriecbergs. • Support for the team: the challenge of transforming suffering into resilience. Danai Papadatou. • Research in Paediatric Palliative Care: Consideration in Theory, Method and Implementation. Myra Bluebond-Langner. Presenters and attendees were from a range of professions including: medical, nursing, psychological, social and spiritual roles. 16 Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation People around the world were impressed by what we are doing in New Zealand and since arriving back here I have had a number of health professionals from the UK, USA, Kuwait, Georgia, Ireland and Germany wanting to know more about our service, this work and even planning a visit here. My presentation received a special mention in the summing up of the conference. Thank you once again for your support as this was more valuable than I can put down on paper. I would not have been able to attend this conference without the financial assistance received from the Child Cancer Foundation. I trust some of the content and connections will continue to grow and enhance the service provision for children and their families with lifethreatening conditions such as cancer across New Zealand. * SPONSO R U PD ATE * SPONSOR UP D AT E * SPONSOR UPDATE * SPONSOR UPDATE * SPONS OR U P D ATE A Partnership Heading Towards 20 Years Professionals Real Estate Group has been in partnership as a Gold Star Sponsor of the Child Cancer Foundation since 1995 and over this time has contributed in excess of $3.7 million. The partnership has traversed this period of time because we recognise the unbelievable work the Foundation does for children and their families affected by child cancer. We know that every week there are three children diagnosed with cancer; every year there are over 100,000 treatments, and for every treatment the child receives a Bead of Courage®. Some children can have over 1,000 beads from a very young age. Activities included hosting numerous Charity Breakfast Auctions and funrazors - where locals gathered to shave their heads in support of child cancer. There was also a Late Lunch function incorporating a funrazor, a Grand Charity Auction with guest speakers; Quiz Nights with auctions of artwork and sponsored products; a Child Cancer Movie Night; a Golf Tournament; and Street Bucket Collections among many others. Below is some of the action from Professionals Real Estate Group’s fundraising events during the Child Cancer Foundation’s National Appeal month. We at Professionals, truly admire the work that the Child Cancer Foundation undertakes to ensure that ‘every child and their family walking the child cancer journey will never feel alone’. The Child Cancer Foundation receives no direct government funding and relies on contributions from organisations like the Professionals Real Estate Group. Professionals Real Estate Group have assisted with funding of the Foundation’s Head Office, Holiday Homes in Taupo and Queenstown, Family Places in Wellington and Auckland, as well as contributing a donation from each property sale to the Child Cancer Foundation. But it’s the ongoing funding that is important for the various support activities the Child Cancer Foundation provides to children with cancer and their families. During the Child Cancer Foundation’s National Appeal month in March, Professionals offices around the country hosted a range of fundraising events for this very worthy cause. TOP RIGHT: Professionals Morrinsville Real Estate Ltd - funrazor event. It’s great to see the locals having their heads shaved in support of child cancer. RIGHT: Liz Thomas (left) with Ebbany Biddle-Bateson, showcasing Ebbany’s artwork ‘Summer Parfum’ for auction. Professionals Real Estate Partnerships Ltd, Whakatane. BOTTOM RIGHT: Professionals Hutt City Ltd, Lower Hutt, hosted a fun-filled Quiz Night and Auction. BELOW: Professionals McDowell Real Estate Ltd in Rotorua held a Breakfast and Auction event. Dillon Tillemans - with his artwork ‘Off Fishing’ up for auction. Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 17 * REGIO NA L NEWS * R E G ION A L NEWS * REGIO NA L Regional News NORTHLAND - We have had a busy time at our branch. In June a number of mums came to my house for a morning of jewellery making. Some items will be for the parents, and hopefully the rest can be sold. We have done this in previous years and a lot of fun and beautiful items have come about. In July we took a bus full of Child Cancer Foundation members down to Waiwera for a funfilled-day. As usual, the bus and fuel were donated by Athol Cave of Caves Buses - many thanks to him as always, and the wonderful Gene Netzler who gave up a day to drive the bus for free. We have started up a coffee morning for parents which is planned to happen four times a year. Anyone interested in attending, please ring or text Abi on 021 856 451. We have had two new members on our committee which is wonderful. If anyone else is interested, please give me a call or text on 021 044 4613. We have one meeting a month, usually short and sweet, and would love some fresh ideas and input. A reminder to all families to inquire with Abi about the scholarships we have to offer. Lastly - one of our members has been chosen for a trip to Disneyland thanks to Koru Care, in October. Wonderful! Louise O’Hagan, Northland Branch Chairperson Eric Bettridge’s Generous Work Acknowledged The backbone of the Child Cancer Foundation’s Northland branch, Eric Bettridge, received much deserved recognition of his dedication when he was awarded a Child Cancer Distinguished Service Award in July. Eric puts in many hours to assist the Child Cancer Foundation. “Every year he puts his hand up to organise Rememberance Day, National Appeal and our annual garage sale,” says CCF Northland Branch Chairperson Louise O’Hagan. “Eric is one of life’s givers and has been responsible for a lot of the money collected for CCF in Northland during his lengthy involvement.” “Eric is irreplaceable and it is wonderful to be able to show him how much we appreciate him,” she says. Due to recent ill health, Eric has been forced to take a step back from the Child Cancer Foundation but is keen to still be involved and is determined to hold the Foundation’s annual garage sale in August. NEWS * REGIO NA L NEWS * REGION AL N EWS Tracey showed them around, explained some of what happens there and answered any questions they had. The afternoon ended back at the Family Place for yummy afternoon tea. We are hoping to provide more events in the future, so please let your grandparents know. Thanks to the parents and caregivers who made an effort to come out in the cold for our Roast Meal and Movie Night. We are looking forward to the next movie night when we can get outside and look around at the buildings. We also had a Mum’s dinner in July and our Annual Zoo day. Remember that we have a Facebook page (Child Cancer Foundation Auckland). It can be a little tricky to find as it is a closed group, but you can always email me for the link. I hope the winter bugs are staying away and Spring is just around the corner. Christine Steel, Auckland Branch Chairperson Out-of-Town Coffee Group An out-of-town Coffee Group has been set up for families who have travelled to Auckland from other centres for treatment. It is held on the last Friday of the month at the Auckland Family Place from 10:30 until 12:30. Below is a photo of one our recent gatherings. All out-of-town families are welcome. This new group gives a space for families to come together and share experiences or just have a gossip. The last two catchups have been incredibly well attended so it would be awesome to make this a regular thing at the Family Place. It is also a good opportunity for families to come and see first-hand what services we have here. Jo Thoresen, Family Support Coordinator EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY - Eastern Bay of Plenty had their Regional meeting in Hawkes Bay, on Saturday, the 8th June. We decided to move around the region to enable branches and staff to meet us all and to host the meeting. It was a lovely day in Hastings and we got to see the lovely facilities they have there. Tony Bryan, his wife and her team were great hosts and we had a lovely morning tea and lunch. We had a full turnout at the meeting joined by Robyn Cresswell (Waikato, Lakes and Bays Family Support Manager) and John Robson (National Board Chairperson). Eric, who lives in Ruakaka, is well known in the Northland community for his volunteer service. In 2012 he was named a Local Hero as part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards. He has also been named a Knight of the Blind for helping the Royal New Zealand Blind Foundation. Thanks Eric, the world needs more people like you! AUCKLAND - Auckland Branch has had a few quiet months, but hello to all our new members. I am always loathe to say welcome as none of us wish to belong, but I hope that somewhere along the way you find some comfort and support from other parents and families who are walking the same journey as you. WAIKATO - The Waikato branch has been very busy over the past few months, and has received some innovative and generous support. We have had another Grandparents Day. We met at the Family Place before walking up to Starship for a tour of the 27a Clinic. Musician Joy Adams has written a song to highlight our Stars of Courage programme called “Little Star,” which is proving an 18 Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation * REGIO NA L NEWS * R E G ION A L NEWS * REGIO NA L NEWS * REGIO NA L NEWS * REGION AL N EWS extremely popular and useful fundraiser. The Stars of Courage programme was launched by our late patron Lady Blundell in 2010, and was one of her great passions. Joy is also raising funds for the Waikato CCF branch by producing a CD. “For the Children” features Joy and many notable country and western entertainers. Joy has also obtained sponsorship from local RSAs and Lions Clubs to buy stars for our families. We are very grateful to Joy for her unique efforts. The 28th Ulysses Club Annual Toy Run from Cambridge to Hamilton was held in March with over 500 motorbikes taking part. We raised $9,000 along with two truckloads of toys which will be used by CCF and some other charitable organisations. Many of the Waikato children were passengers on the bikes from Cambridge to Hamilton. The Beads of Courage Family Fun Day on April 1 raised $11,564 along with a lot of awareness for CCF. Our sincere thanks to Graham McFarlane from The Verandah Café & Function Centre for hosting another fantastic fundraising event. ® We were also fortunate enough to have a site at the New Zealand Secondary School Rowing Championships at Lake Karapiro. T-shirts donated by Eric Murray and Hamish Bond (CCF Ambassadors) were sold along with photos of our great “Kiwi Pair”. Our sincere thanks to Eric and Hamish for all their work and dedication. Nick Hatchett, a coach at NZ Tennis Academy and St Peter’s School, provided not only a fantastic fundraising event on April 14th but also great entertainment during his 12 hour Tennis Marathon. The highlight of the event was a feature match between Nick Guillaume Gignoux (NZ Tennis Academy Coach) and partner Gerrit Steenkamp (NZ Tennis Academy Coach), partnered with Ido Drent who played Daniel Potts on Shortland Street and is currently filming ‘Off Spring’ in Melbourne. Child Cancer Waikato is very happy to be associated with Child Flight. Child Flight offers a 30 minute flight around the Waikato and takes in many fantastic sights. The cost is $250 of which CCF receives $50. The families who have enjoyed this experience say it is something really special. Thank you to Child Flight and our pilots Chris Jordan and Murray Barker. We were very fortunate to be hosted at Fieldays again this year by the fantastic Hansen Products NZ Ltd team. Once again Hansen provided a magnificent site with full signage supporting CCF. Proceeds from the Fieldays sales are donated to CCF. Carl, Steve and the team made our volunteers very welcome, and we really treasure and value our relationship with this wonderful company. Sharon Robertson, Waikato Fundraising and Business Development Manager TARANAKI - In February this year Taranaki siblings held their first camp at Ivy Cottage just outside New Plymouth in perfect sunny weather. We invited five teenagers, three of them CanTeen members, to join us for a weekend of fun. Two branch members and I organised the camp, which was kindly funded by the Taranaki Branch, including goodie bags, a T-shirt and cap. After an icebreaker activity we set off for the first activity at Stoney Oakes Wildlife Park. It is a small and safe park in a rural location where children can get close to tame animals. There is a lake and a row boat which proved to be popular with all the children. After lunch we drove a short distance to the Maize Maze at Egmont Village and divided into groups to find the 15 clues inside the maze. The maze is well planned and takes time and effort to complete. After a little rest and an ice block we drove another short distance to the New Plymouth Aquatic Centre. The children naturally broke into groups and the teenagers gravitated towards a group each. It was a pleasure to watch them. Some personal challenges were achieved at the diving board thanks to peer support and encouragement. Fish and chips were served in the park next to the sea. We returned to our cottage in the country for some singing and music before bed. The next morning, CJ the clown arrived early to set up his activities and a bouncy castle for the children. CJ did his magic show (and the children said they knew how he did it) and made balloons for them to take home. After a variety of games and yet more food everyone packed and left for home, promising to meet again - perhaps for a fishing trip next time. Kathryn Hensley, Family Support Coordinator, Taranaki SOUTH CANTERBURY - Award Honours Volunteer On May 16th, Timaru Mayor Janie Annear presented Child Cancer Foundation volunteer Jocelyn Torepe with the organisation’s Distinguished Service Award for her 20 years of service to help families in need. Jocelyn Torepe knew, when she beat cancer, that she wanted to give something back to help those still fighting the battle. And for 20 years the Temuka woman has done just that. Ms Torepe volunteers her time for the South Canterbury branch of the Child Cancer Foundation, serving as the branch’s liaison with the Temuka area. Along with other volunteers, she makes baked goods and does what she can to support families in need of help. A professional bus driver, she also drives groups to branch outings, including the annual CCF Family Christmas party held in Christchurch. “It’s not me,” Ms Torepe was quick to say, pointing out CCF’s work in South Canterbury is a group effort by many volunteers. She preferred to go about her tasks in the background, she said. Now Ms Torepe’s efforts have earned her a Distinguished Service Award, the first such award to be presented to anyone in South Canterbury. It recognises people in the community who give outstanding volunteer support to CCF. Recipients are nominated by their branches and winners are selected at the national level. About ten of the awards are given out annually throughout New Zealand. Timaru Mayor Jane Annear called Ms Torepe “one of our community’s treasures”. “She is a very special person with a huge heart.” Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 19 Huge thanks to all our fantastic sponsors, we couldn’t do it without you! PLATINUM: GOLD: FOUNDATION PARTNER: SUPPORT PARTNERS: BUSINESS PARTNERS: CAUSE RELATED MARKETING: ANZ Staff Foundation, Constellation Communities Trust, Community Trust of Mid & South Canterbury, Charles Rupert Stead Charitable Trust, Eastern and Central Community Trust, Endeavour Community Foundation, Eric Hattaway Bridgman Trust, Four Winds Foundation, Guardian Trust, Infinity Foundation, Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust, Kathleen Dorothy Kirkby Charitable Trust, Lion Foundation, Mainland Foundation, Mt Wellington Foundation, NR Thomson Charitable Trust, Pelorus Trust, Pub Charity, New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, North and South Trust Limited, NZ Community Trust, RG Bell Charitable Trust, Robinson Trust – Diana and Andrew Robinson, Sir John Logan Campbell Residuary Estate, Southern Trust, The Trusts Community Foundation, Trillian Trust, Trust House Foundation, Youthtown Trust. Every child and their family walking the child cancer journey will never feel alone. National Office PHONE 0800 4 CHILD 76 Grafton Road Grafton, Auckland 1010 PHONE (09) 366-1270 (0800 4 24453) EMAIL [email protected] WEB www.childcancer.org.nz FACEBOOK ChildCancerFoundationNZ TWITTER ChildCancerNZ ISSN 0114-7765 FUNDING PARTNERS: