A story of humanity

Five years ago, as the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown bore down on New Zealand, a group of like-minded, purpose-driven, health professionals were drawn together.

They could foresee an unintended consequence of the hospital outpatient medical clinics closing – cancer patients both existing and newly diagnosed left helplessly waiting longer than they should, between cancer diagnoses, treatment and management.

Compelled to support their peers and the innocent kiwis affected, the team became United Against Cancer in name and purpose.

Using their resources and contacts, an annual fundraiser was born.

‘Think Pink II’ was the first event held late 2020 in collaboration with the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, raising $28,000. In 2021 and 2022, ongoing collaboration with the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ raised $30,000 and $81,000 respectively. In 2023, $71,000 was raised for the Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ.

This year, they haven’t missed a beat.

Recognising the busy status of hospital emergency departments, the team have collaborated with Franklin Hospice Charitable Trust, fundraising for a vehicle that will enable in-home nursing care for palliative cancer patients.

A well-attended fundraiser was held raising more than $72,000 and a new 4WD vehicle since purchased, presented along with a $10,000 donation to Franklin Hospice on Saturday 10 August.

Other charitable beneficiaries of this year’s event are Ronald McDonald House, where an apartment was sponsored for one year to accommodate patients and their families from across New Zealand, ensuring they received the best cancer treatments without worrying about their accommodation.

And West Auckland Hospice Psycho-social services (buying furniture for their counselling and exercise room and supplies for their art therapy classes).

The success of this formidable group was made possible with the support of event attendees and sponsors.

Special thanks are due to: Gold sponsors ASAP Finance, Franklin Private Hospital and Karans Fiji. Silver sponsors Tamaki Health (Local Doctors, White Cross, Bettr online doctors, Connect Radiology), Masters Produce Pukekohe and Reddy Foundation. And in-kind sponsors HDEV (Audio-visual) and SCG (printing).

Now formally registered as the United Against Cancer Charitable Trust, the tight team of volunteers pride themselves on zero administration costs, guaranteeing that every single cent raised and donated goes to those they are supporting.

Donations have already exceeded $250,000, and they’re not done.

Their purpose is to raise as much money as possible, to make a real difference in cancer sufferers' and their loved ones' lives.

If you’d like to support this wonderful cause and team, they welcome you to join them as a sponsor, an event attendee, by donating an auction item or by simply helping to spread the word.

Reach out to shalini@unitedagainstcancer.org.nz, or visit unitedagainstcancer.org.nz