Breast Cancer Research Trust

16/09/2025

15/09/2025

Kia ora,

Welcome to our September newsletter! This month marks World Dense Breast Day and is also Wills month. For Wills this is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of having a Will (see below for more information about this).

World Dense Breast Day is marked on the last Wednesday of September each year. This day raises awareness about the importance of understanding breast density as a risk factor for breast cancer. Fibrous and glandular tissue is harder to see through on a mammogram, so your breast tissue may be called “dense” if you have a lot of these tissues (and not much fat). As well as masking the presence of tumours on mammograms, high breast density is also a risk factor for being diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast density is influenced by genetics, age, menopause status and family history. Though your breast density can’t be changed, knowledge is power. If you don’t know your breast density, next time you get a mammogram, do ask. For further information go to https://densebreast-info.org/

Next month is breast cancer awareness month. There are nine women diagnosed every day with breast cancer. It's likely that someone in your workplace, whānau, neighbourhood, or from your community has been affected. To support wāhine/women diagnosed and our breast cancer research cause, why not organise a pink-themed fundraiser? You could get on board by joining a community Pink Walk in Putaruru, Huntly or Hamilton or help us Paint Waikato Pink by organising a workplace morning or afternoon tea, a bake sale (with pink coloured foods), or a dress up in pink golf club tournament.

Make sure you have some fun and laughter along the way.

Enjoy the warmer spring weather and longer days!

Ngā mihi nui,
Jenni and the BCRT Team

14/09/2025

Thinking about your will can feel overwhelming -but it doesn’t have to be!

The Life & Legacy Guide breaks it down into simple, thoughtful prompts to help you:

❣️ Clarify your wishes
❣️ Organise your thoughts
❣️ Leave messages that matter

It’s FREE for BCRT supporters this September. Because peace of mind is a gift worth sharing.

Email fiona@georgeconsultancy.co.nz and mention BCRT to claim your free copy.

09/09/2025

This week, Jenni Scarlet was recognised for 40 years of dedicated service to Waikato Hospital - a milestone that speaks to a lifetime of commitment, compassion, and quiet leadership.

As a founder of the Breast Cancer Research Trust, Jenni’s influence reaches far beyond the hospital walls. Her vision helped shape the Trust’s purpose, and her steady presence continues to guide our work with integrity and heart.

Jenni has always championed people first - patients, families, researchers, and colleagues. She’s the kind of person who listens deeply and never loses sight of the human story behind the mahi.

Ngā mihi nui, Jenni. Your service to Waikato is extraordinary. Your impact on the Trust is enduring. And your example continues to inspire us all.

In the photo with Alison Busey (left) who was recognised for 45 years of service.

08/09/2025

This September, every Entertainment Membership sold helps fund life-changing breast cancer research, and now, your support goes even further.

💗 Every donation will be gift-matched, instantly doubling your impact

An Entertainment Membership isn’t just about perks, it’s about creating memorable moments while giving back twice as much.

Every Membership sold enables research that reduces side effects and improves quality of life. Let’s turn everyday generosity into extraordinary impact.

Click on the link below to buy your membership:
https://subscribe.entertainmentnz.com/fundraiser/15733w1

07/09/2025

A will isn’t just paperwork, it’s a love letter to the future 💌

Whether you’re passing on treasured memories, protecting loved ones, or supporting causes close to your heart, your legacy matters.

The Life & Legacy Guide helps you reflect, record, and plan with purpose. It’s free for BCRT supporters during Wills Month, because your story deserves to be honoured.

Email fiona@georgeconsultancy.co.nz and mention BCRT to receive your free copy.

06/09/2025

To the dads who hold us steady - thank you.

This Father’s Day, we celebrate the quiet heroes: the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who show up with strength, tenderness, and unwavering support.

Breast cancer doesn’t just affect individuals. It touches entire families. And behind every diagnosis, there’s often a dad driving to appointments, holding hands through hard news, and doing everything he can to protect the people he loves.

Today, we honour you. And we continue our mission to fund research that gives families more time together - more milestones, more memories, more tomorrows.

04/09/2025

This Father’s Day, your gift can go twice as far - for the moments that matter most.

When you purchase an Entertainment membership, Entertainment is gift-matching every donation, which means your impact for Breast Cancer Research Trust is instantly doubled.

Your Membership helps us keep showing up for Kiwi families, researchers, and communities. And it’s packed with perks you’ll actually use:

💙 $20,000+ in yearly savings
💙 Up to 50% off dining, activities & more
💙 15,000+ offers across NZ, ready anytime

Every Membership sold helps us fund hope, connection, and progress, without asking you to give more.

Click on the link below to save and make a difference.
https://subscribe.entertainmentnz.com/fundraiser/15733w1

31/08/2025

September is Wills Month!

However you’ve shaped your life, it’s important to capture the details for those you love.

To support you, Breast Cancer Research Trust is offering a 32-page Life & Legacy Guide for a koha (usually $27). It’s our gift to help you:

💛 Organise your thoughts before seeing a lawyer
💛 Record your wishes, memories & personal messages
💛 Plan with clarity and peace of mind

Simply click on the link below to make your donation and receive your copy with our heartfelt thanks.
https://wbcrt.infoodle.com/f/LifeLegacyBookKoha

28/08/2025

This Daffodil Day, we celebrate the power of community, compassion, and courage 💛

For over 30 years, the Cancer Society of New Zealand has rallied Kiwis around a simple but powerful symbol: the daffodil. It stands for hope, resilience, and the promise of brighter days ahead for those facing cancer.

At the Breast Cancer Research Trust, we honour the strength of those living with breast cancer, remember those we’ve lost, and stand beside every whānau affected.

Thanks to Cancer Society NZ, grant funding is helping drive clinical trials into lymph node grafting, offering new hope for those living with treatment-resistant lymphoedema.

From volunteer drivers to liaison nurses, the support offered through Cancer Society services makes a real difference. And so does your generosity.

🌼 Buy a daffodil
🌼 Donate to street collectors
🌼 Join a local event

Every action helps fund life-changing research and support. Let’s make this Daffodil Day a beacon of hope across Aotearoa.

Ngā mihi nui for standing with us!

26/08/2025

To our incredible BCRT whānau - THANK YOU!

We were blown away by the responses to our recent supporter survey. Your stories, ideas, and encouragement are helping shape the future of breast cancer research in Aotearoa.

Here’s what we learned:
💗 Our supporters span every generation: 13% under 35, 51% between 35–65, and 36% over 65
💗 47% have had a family member affected by breast cancer, and 29% have experienced it themselves
💗 Many of you want to volunteer, attend events, or leave a gift in your Will to help save lives

Your feedback is guiding us forward - toward better treatments, stronger community connection, and a future free from the fear of breast cancer.

Ngā mihi nui. You are part of the cure.