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A personal connection to breast cancer has inspired Stanmore Bay resident Jay Carey to give back to a charity that supported her through her own cancer journey.
Jay, a member of the Auckland fundraising committee for Shocking Pink, organised a quiz night at the RSA Entertainment Venue on Vipond Road, raising $2690 for the charity.
The event attracted around 200 people and was a full house, with Jay receiving plenty of support from the local community, including her mum, Lorraine Carey, who helped with the organisation and running of the night.
Jay says her motivation for supporting Shocking Pink comes from first-hand experience.
“I wanted to give back, to help the next ladies/men that find themselves joining our charity,” she says.
Shocking Pink is a New Zealand not-for-profit organisation supporting young women diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 45. The charity provides practical, emotional and financial support to members around the country.
Its services include an annual three-night retreat, regional coffee groups, an online support forum and Christmas gatherings. Financial assistance is also available, including grants for groceries or petrol, as well as support for those living with metastatic breast cancer.
Jay knows the challenges of cancer well, having been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma 21 years ago and later developing breast cancer as a result of her treatment. Diagnosed with stage one, grade three invasive ductal carcinoma, she underwent a double mastectomy and hormone therapy and has now been in remission for five years.
Having experienced cancer at a young age herself, Jay says the support offered by Shocking Pink can change lives.
“There is a very big gap in supporting young women in New Zealand going through breast cancer, emotionally and financially,” Shocking Pink founder Anna Manson says.
The charity aims to help members focus on their treatment and recovery rather than financial pressures, while also providing opportunities to connect with others who understand what they are going through.
The success of Jay’s quiz night has already prompted the RSA to invite her back to hold another fundraiser next year, and she hopes the event will become an annual opportunity to raise funds and awareness for a cause that has played an important role in her own journey.
