I’ve supported BCFNZ a few times in the past by collecting for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal, as I knew friends and family that had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

As I collected for the appeal in October 2014, and then attended a Pink Ribbon Breakfast in early May 2015, I never once thought it would be me needing help, support and relying on so much information from Breast Cancer Foundation NZ as I went through my own breast cancer diagnosis in mid May 2015.

The information on the BCFNZ website was invaluable especially for the first few weeks after diagnosis. When the time for chemo came and I knew I was going to lose my hair, I hosted a Pink Ribbon 'Wine & Wigs' afternoon and had my hair shaved off (before it fell out) in front of close girlfriends, my sisters and my niece.

I wasn't really aware on what the money raised in the Pink Ribbon appeals went towards until having treatment, but was amazed at what services were available - breast cancer nurses to call, research and education, and other events to support the Breast cancer community.

Although the diagnosis and treatment was horrendous, I wouldn't have met a great bunch of women in the same situation, or done some pretty cool events - the Pink Ribbon motorcycle ride (pillion passenger!), Pink Ribbon Walks and even joined the beginners team for the Pink Ribbon Dragon Boating.

None of this would have been possible without the great work that BCFNZ does.