- What is the Pink Caravan?
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The Breast Cancer Foundation Pink Caravan travels to small towns and cities in Aotearoa, staffed by breast care nurses who provide free breast health advice to local women and men.
- Can I get a mammogram on the Pink Caravan?
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The Caravan is not set up to give mammograms, however, the nurses will be able to enroll you and advise where you can get a mammogram near to where you live.
- What can I expect from a Pink Caravan visit?
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We’re inviting women and men to pop into the Pink Caravan with their questions about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, to understand their family and lifestyle risk factors, and to know what to do if they have any worries. Our breast care nurses have visual and hands-on displays of breast cancer symptoms that many women won’t have seen before, and will use prosthetic breasts to show what a lump feels like.
- Does the Pink Caravan have any information I can take away with me to share with friends and whanau?
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Yes, the Caravan has a fantastic range of printed information you can take with you.
- How can I invite the Pink Caravan to come to our office / community / health center / marae?
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If you would like the Caravan to visit your community or workplace, please email our Pink Caravan Coordinator Talia with your contact details at taliac@bcf.org.nz.
We will get back to you very soon!
Christine
Volunteer tower, 2020 Pink Caravan South Island tour
Why did you get involved in towing the Pink Caravan?
I am a member of the New Zealand Motorhome Association. I saw that the Foundation was looking for volunteers to tow the caravan in my area. As I had planned to travel with my own caravan, I decided to offer my services. I had been thinking about what I might do to occupy my time and this seemed like a cool thing to do. It's a great cause and heading in the same direction as me. I loved the experience and enjoyed towing 'Pinkie' in the region! It is my pleasure to be able to assist.
Bella
Breast nurse, 2020 Pink Caravan South Island tour
Hello, I live in Auckland, I have a 21-year-old son, Ayden. I am an experienced nurse working in the hospital setting and in the community with cancer patients. I work across all cancer stages, from new diagnoses to end of life, I see the raw end of cancer...
I totally agree with the saying ‘prevention is the best cure’; education and knowledge is key! If I can help prevent at least one beautiful woman having to go through the heartbreak of hearing ‘you have advanced breast cancer’ then I’m in!
The Pink Caravan is the best platform to spread the word about prevention, but more importantly to educate New Zealand wahine about their breasts and learning how to get to know them, so if any changes occur it can be actioned and hopefully decrease the amount of emotional pain I see on a daily basis from that big ‘C’ word!
During my free time I enjoy regular walks, workouts, and being on my SUP board as well as puppy walks! Plus, pink is my favourite colour - I even have a hot pink velvet chaise seat in my lounge!
Mark
Volunteer tower, 2019 Pink Caravan Auckland tour
I am a member of our local four-wheel drive club in Auckland. I responded to a request made for volunteers to help tow Pinkie to and from shopping centres where she was to be set up for each particular day.
At the time, I was personally facing a life-changing challenge; I had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and had been given 12 months to live. I was diagnosed with mesothelioma for which there is no cure. Despite wishing to spend all the remaining time that I had left with my loved ones and to, hopefully, fulfill my bucket list, I volunteered to help out with Pinkie, subject, of course, to my health at the time.
However small my part may be in the education, prevention, research and treatment of cancer by helping to move Pinkie around, I was happy to help out so that, if not my generation, then the next one or the one after that, will no longer have to suffer the effects of cancer.
To all cancer patients, their families and friends, I wish you all the very best that life offers you, now and in the future.
