10 ways to make the most of October
Make time for a mammogram
Pencil in some me-time and get your breasts checked. If you’re over 45, book yourself in for a mammogram through BreastScreen Aotearoa. A mammogram is a health check – like a warrant of fitness for your body – and taking half an hour to have one every two years could save your life. If you’ve never had a mammogram, or think you’re due for another, give BreastScreen Aotearoa a call on 0800 200 270 and make an appointment.
Walk the walk
Dig out your pinkest outfit and walk for the ones you love at our Pink Ribbon Walks. The events celebrate survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and raise awareness and much-needed funds to support our vital work. With 5km and 10km walks on offer, there’s something for family, friends, and even the pups! There are three walks around the country in Christchurch (17 October), Wellington (7 November) and Auckland (14 November).
Check while you change
We’re so excited to be bringing the Change & Check campaign to New Zealand with radio star Sarah Gandy. The campaign was hugely successful in the UK and encourages women to check their breasts in the time it takes to get changed by learning about the nine symptoms of breast cancer. Look out for the Change & Check stickers at our partnering retailers, snap a selfie with the sticker, tag #changeandchecknz and you could go into win a ghd prize! Once you know what to look for, get to know what your breasts normally look and feel like by regularly doing a self-check at home – we’ll show you how.
Give your time (and change)
A small change can make a big difference, and nowhere is that more true than with our Pink Ribbon Street Appeal on 30 and 31 October. You’ll spot our collectors on the streets in your city, kitted out with pink sashes and donation buckets. No cash? No worries – you can donate online or by texting PINK to 4499 to make a $3 donation. Or, join our collectors and volunteer for two hours.
See the lights
Places around New Zealand are lighting up pink for Global Illumination, to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In Auckland, the Sky Tower, Vector Lights on Harbour Bridge and the Queen Street Lights will all go pink, and you can spot other pinked-up places around the country, from Whangarei’s Te Matau a Pohe to the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum in Dunedin. Check out your nearest illumination, snap a pic and tag it with #getlitpink. We’d love to see the illuminations in your town!
Shop for good
Our lovely corporate partners have lots to offer this October, from limited-edition Mallowpuffs to Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM™ 2 speakers to Sealy’s pink-themed sleep haven. For every Pink Product you buy, a portion of the sales goes towards funding our work in research, awareness and support. See what’s on offer in our catalogue.
Stop by Pinkie
The Pink Caravan heads out on its summer tour on 29 September in Auckland, before heading to smaller communities in the Northland area from 3 October. Our nurses will be on the Caravan to give advice on breast health, mammograms and breast cancer. Find out when Pinkie is in your area and come visit our nurses!
Pink up your place
Hundreds of workplaces, schools and community groups go Pink For a Day in October, to help raise funds for our vital work. Aside from dressing up in all things pink, we also send you out a ‘pink pack’ packed with plenty of resources and ideas to help you fundraise. Register your group here.
Get involved in your community
There are so many events on this October. Northland will be holding its first Pink Ribbon Ride on 3 October. On the support side, Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day is back. Information evenings will be held on 21 October in Auckland and Wellington. Our expert panel of surgeons and nurses will talk about the options for breast reconstruction after cancer treatment, what to expect during recovery and the best timing for each. It’s also a great time to ask your questions about reconstruction. Register for the Auckland event here. Want to host your own event this October? Go for it! Whether it’s a local Pink Ribbon Walk, a morning tea at work or a raffle, we’d love to hear about it!
Share your story
Raise awareness and support others going through breast cancer by sharing your story. You can share your experiences on our online community mybc or by submitting your story to our Personal Stories page. You can read also read stories from patients, survivors and supporters.