Media Release - 17 June, 2011

For the past year, the Holiday Accommodation Parks Association of New Zealand (HAPNZ) has been fundraising for the Breast Cancer Research Trust (BCRT) as its charity of choice, with each park pledging to fundraise at least $1000. To date it has already raised $70,000 for the Trust.

Two HAPNZ members are going to particular lengths (or shorts, rather) to raise money – both ladies have pledged to shave off all their hair, to be auctioned at the HAPNZ annual conference on July 7th in Wellington.

Jenny Russell, of Turangi Holiday Park, and Lisa Cornelissen, of Martinborough Holiday Park, both feel personally attached to the work of the BCRT.

Jenny was a young girl when she was first exposed to this cruel disease.

“My grandmother had her arm amputated as breast cancer had spread to her lymph nodes,” says Jenny. “She eventually died of the disease.”

As Jenny reminds us, “Very few of us have not been touched by this disease, whether through our families or through the network of friends and acquaintances we have.”

“Finding a cure for breast cancer would stop the people in my life having to suffer, and may well help with the development of treatments for other forms as well.”

Lisa adds that she fully supports the ambitious goal of the BCRT – to find a cure for breast cancer by 2018.

“My Mum’s diagnosis and treatment remains one of the scariest experiences of my life,” she says.

“If Jenny and I can raise awareness as well as dollars, then losing our hair will be a small price to pay to help the BCRT achieve its goal.”

Jenny and Lisa have been busy seeking sponsorship, working towards an ambitious fundraising target of $15,000 – well beyond that of the $1000 Challenge set by the HAPNZ.

As both ladies agree, shaving off all your hair is a very hard thing for a woman to do. But as Lisa points out, “At least I will be losing it by choice, and hopefully raising money at the same time.”

People can support Jenny and Lisa in their brave goal by donating to the cause at:

Lisa - http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/MartinboroughHolidayPark/
Jenny – http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/TurangiHolidayPark/

Let’s help find a cure for breast cancer, and stop the pain this disease   causes to the people in our lives. For more information, visit www.breastcancercure.org.nz.

ENDS
Prepared on behalf of the Breast Cancer Research Trust by the pr shop. For more information, contact Katie Stow on 09 368 1074, or email katie@theprshop.co.nz.