NATIONAL MAGS WHAT'S HAPPENING INSIDE: REBECCA'S STORY COMING TOGETHER ENJOYING THE SEASON - CANTEEN NZ
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National
Summer 2018
Mag
What’s happening inside:
Rebecca’s story
Coming together
Enjoying the season
Pres report Rebecca’s story
So much has happened already this year. in our strategy for
On the 9th of February the board had its CanTeen’s income for I had survived cancer. So why was I
now and in the future. so afraid? I looked like a normal
first meeting of the year and we were
It was definitely a
joined by our newly appointed twenty-year-old, like I was fine and
busy meeting but a
Chairperson, Carol Scholes. Carol joined great one that got us all
everything was better. But everything
the CanTeen board just before the holidays, energised for the year. wasn’t fine. I desperately needed someone
taking over from the ever-dedicated Dion who understood what I had been through.
Mortensen, who spent more than a decade
It helps that we’ve already had a high this year to My whole life got tipped upside down by
with our organisation. cancer
keep us energised. We’ve been putting greater
Carol is a force in the business world; whip-smart focus on the relationships between CanTeen and
I was 19 when I was diagnosed with Acute CanTeen gave me my confidence back
and incredible at working with people from all walks parents, families and CanTeen alumni. Young people
Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), a type of blood
of life, including young people. The meeting felt like thrive in strong communities and is why we build
cancer. I decided to attend my first CanTeen programme, a
a new environment, with three new member those support networks for young people going
weekend away with other young people affected by
directors also enjoying their second meeting. through cancer. So it’s exciting that we’re engaging The side effects of the treatment were harsh after cancer. I was so scared going on it, because I didn’t
with these groups more and all in time for a wee chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. Nausea, know anyone. I ended up having a huge panic attack
In the charity world, fundraising is tough. thirtieth birthday celebration. tiredness, fatigue, mouth ulcers, weight changes and on the first night and wanted to go home. But by
hair loss became everyday, normal things. It was the end of the weekend, I didn’t want to leave.
At the board meeting we discussed fundraising tough.
and made some decisions to ensure CanTeen has The programme gave everyone a chance to let go of
the resources needed to continue delivering its When I was in hospital, a CanTeen Youth Support the emotions they were holding and to realise we’re
valuable support services. We’re trying to be bold Coordinator came to see me, but at the time I was not alone. It was the start of helping me get my
too scared to meet new people because of how I confidence back and realising that what I was going
looked and how I felt. through was normal.
Everyone assumed I was fine
CEO update Recovery took a long time. As I wore my wig after
treatment, from the outside I looked normal, so
Our Youth Support Coordinators are at the and the delivery of
people assumed I was okay. Lots
heart of the work we do with young the Foundations
of people would say, “You’re
of Leadership
people. They are there from diagnosis and looking good”, when in
Programme in the
help young people to navigate difficult regions.
fact I would feel tired or
times getting to appointments, staying in exhausted.
school and work. Coping with We look forward to
an exciting period on
uncomfortable conversations with friends, Rebecca at REAL
the Board of Governance Once I was in remission
family and teachers and sometimes with Carol Scholes joining and wasn’t distracted
connecting them to other specialist as Chairperson and the three
I started going to more CanTeen events and it was
by treatment, I began through CanTeen that I got professional counselling.
services and support. Member Directors appointed in October. We will obsessing that my body It’s given me tools and strategies to help overcome
begin the recruitment for three new Independent might reject the stem cell
Providing individualised support my anxiety and manage my fears about the cancer
Directors in March and will have made appointments transplant. I would hear stories coming back. Having those coping mechanisms was
The individualised and peer support we provide by June, ready to focus on the future and build a about people relapsing, and it very empowering and a big step forward for me.
across New Zealand is the majority of the work strong strategy to take CanTeen into the next 5 Rebecca and her mum terrified me. I became overly
we do and this year we are going to increase our years. cautious because of my fear of CanTeen made me feel safe again
impact with key strategies. germs and of getting sick.
I was fortunate enough to attend the Global AYA It has now been three years since my transplant.
Firstly, our parent strategy will open a conversation Cancer Congress in Atlanta in December, the aim My family could tell I wasn’t coping well and Although getting cancer really sucked, it brought
with parents so that we can find out how CanTeen of which was to share research and information encouraged me to get help. Initially I got mad at CanTeen into my life. They helped me understand
can help parents to support the young people in and raise awareness of adolescent and young adult them for even suggesting it. But before I started uni that what I was feeling after my treatment was
their family in the future. Secondly, we are going to cancer. Throughout the conference I was reminded again, I realised that talking to someone wasn’t such normal and that I could get help. CanTeen has
explore options for delivering online counselling and by young patients and researchers alike of the a bad idea, because I was bottling everything up made me feel safe again, helping me regain my
support to young people. vital role of individualised support in managing the and exploding all the time. independence and giving me confidence to get on
emotional, social and practical impact of cancer with my life.
We are also strengthening our relationship with and the difference being able to talk to and get
CanTeen Australia, partnering with them to deliver support from other young people makes to survival
cancer education and awareness sessions in schools outcomes.
National
Reset
Studies have shown that lifestyle intervention, i.e. The programme is made up of two weekend
Programmes physical exercise and a balanced diet, can greatly
reduce the risk of cancer patients developing
programmes with a 12-week challenge in between
where exercise progress can be monitored via
another chronic illness and/or secondary cancer. CanTeen’s first ever app!
We’ve had some great
programmes happen over For this reason, we have developed a lifestyle We had a fantastic weekend at reset (23-25
the summer period with a intervention based programme for patient February 2018), with 20 amazing young people in
new round of young people members. This comprehensive programme provides attendance. It included:
education/information on exercise, nutrition, self-
beginning their journey to a • Exercise testing (upper and lower body strength,
care, and peer support.
healthier lifestyle physically,
core strength, cardio vascular fitness, balance and
emotionally, mentally and This includes a specialist physiotherapist and
dietitian developed programme with ongoing flexibility) This will be retested at reset part 2 to
socially.
support, for young people who have had a cancer track progress
diagnosis and who have been deconditioned • Paddle boarding
because of their cancer or cancer treatment, or have • Exercise and nutrition education
REAL 2.0
physical late effects.
• Guest speakers on exercise and nutrition
REAL 2.0 provides young people with
the opportunity to reflect, connect
By focusing on educating and empowering our • Peer support
young people through lifestyle intervention it is
and share experiences in a safe and Cooking at reset
Georgie - National Programmes Manager
our hope that young people are better placed for a
supportive environment with other young people
better future and quality of life.
living with cancer. Through interacting with peers,
participants are given the opportunity to explore
strategies and gain knowledge to help overcome
some of the challenges they face. The workshop
promotes positive wellbeing through connection and “It was an awesome
peer support (similar experiences). Each participant
receives a toolkit to take away to support participants weekend and the
with some self-care strategies for the future. resources provided
“I really enjoyed were great. Very
Upcoming programmes the weekend and educational!”
there’s lots of
• Art Workshop: 24-27 April 2018 beneficial info I will
• REAL: 4-6 May 2018 utilise in the next 12
• Reset part 2: 18-20 May 2018 Celebrating the start of the reset programme
weeks.”
Thank you
• Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust for $37,000 to
contribute towards the national programme
reset
• The Southern Trust for $32,000 to upgrade “I really enjoyed
the server Paddle boarding at reset it and am
• Lottery Minister’s Discretionary Fund for looking forward
$4,700 excluding GST for the CEO attendance
to becoming
at the Global Adolescence and Young Adults
Cancer Congress physically and
• Louise Sue (AYA Nurse who volunteered her hopefully mentally
time to the reset programme). stronger.”
Marketing and Auckland
fundraising Our end-of-year break up party
was not only to celebrate the
It was more than an idea, it was end of 2017, but to reflect and
a need. Young people living acknowledge all CanTeen members.
with cancer needed a support
system. They needed services Member event highlights
that catered to their unique
Five members of the leaders group organised
needs. They needed to connect a Christmas scavenger hunt for everyone to
with others like them. They partake in which ran throughout the night. It
needed CanTeen. revolved around the idea of “where did Santa leave
his sack of presents”. Teams completed various
CanTeen turns 30 hilarious tasks to gain letters. It was a race to the
This year marks CanTeen’s 30th finish as every team was frantically trying to piece
Opening gifts at the patient dinner at Lei Cafe
anniversary in New Zealand and we together the letters, with little hints given along
plan to celebrate. Make sure you’ve the way. There was lots of excitement, mystery, JTB November event
signed up to receive our emails and adrenalin, talking and bonding. It was not only fun
A gift from #NZSecretSanta
follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or and entertaining to watch, but was very engaging For the Just the Boys (JTB) event in November, we
LinkedIn so you don’t miss the celebrations. NZ Secret Santa does it again and got every single member interacting with each headed to the Nexus Barbershop in Massey. Nexus
other. It was a great way to end 2017 with everyone. donated their time and skills so that a couple of
We can. I can. It truly was the season of giving, as Secret Santas all members got free haircuts before a great meal
Rebecca
over New Zealand sent in gifts for CanTeen. It was at Lone Star. During the meal we had a bunch of
World Cancer Day is a day where people, all organised through NZ Post’s #NZSecretSanta, interesting questions to get to know one another.
organisations and communities join together which sees Twitter users tweeting, sleuthing and Auckland patient dinner
Overall, it was a very successful evening where I got
internationally to raise awareness of cancer to gifting all in the spirit of the season. With even the
For the patient dinner in December we were to know a lot of cool new people.
encourage its prevention, detection and treatment. Prime Minister joining in, we were stoked to be
The tagline ‘We can. I can.’ is all about how everyone extremely lucky to have a change of scenery, moving Jamie
the chosen charity again and to be able to make
can do their part to reduce the global burden of from the CanTeen office to the beautiful Lei Café in
Christmas for young people living with cancer just
cancer. Last year we literally turned ourselves Ponsonby. We had a live DJ throughout the night,
that bit better.
upside down for young people whose lives were which set the perfect vibe for the evening. Games
turned upside down by cancer and this year we were played, conversations flowed and a lot of great
shared some facts about youth cancer. Sharing food was consumed! Overall, a fantastic night out for
these facts will hopefully not only inspire others to patient members to relax, chill and get a few special
take action in support of CanTeen but to help raise pressies from #NZSecretSantas as well!
awareness of youth cancer prevention, detection Samantha
and treatment.
Entertainment Books now on sale
Thank you to everyone who bought their Thank you Nexus Barbershop giving free haircuts
Entertainment Book or Digital membership
through us - together we raised $8,947 which
• Danny and the team at Nexus Barbershop and
the team at Lone Star
will us help continue to support young people
when their lives are derailed by cancer. Pre-sales • Lei Café, DJ Leems, NZ Post #NZSecretSanta
have started so make sure to get your 2018/2019 Ken and Compass Group
membership and help us continue our valuable • Paul Lelievre and the team at Fergs Kayaks
work. • Ted & Mollie Carr Endowment Fund & Estate of
Ernest Davis for $20,000 towards member
support services
• Southern Trust for $10,000 towards the salaries
of Youth Support Coordinators
• Pub Charity for $30,000 towards the salaries of
Youth Support Coordinators
• Four Winds Foundation for $8,000 towards the End of year break with scavenger hunt
salaries of Youth Support Coordinators.
Northland Waikato
A new group of members
Northland’s Christmas breakup
attended the annual community-
was an awesome time to catch
run event CanSurf.
up with everyone as we are quite
dispersed in the region, so it’s CanSurf
always a great to see everyone.
We enjoyed the wonderful hospitality and
spirit of the Waihi Beach community.
Branch update
CanTeen member Liam, was on the
We ended 2017 with a really chill evening organising committee and did a great job of
hanging out and playing games. Everyone had helping to create a space where great peer
a good time catching up and having a laugh, support happened.
ready to welcome the new year which started off
with a trip to Adventure Forest. A group of us had a Te Kowhai School fundraiser
lot of fun spending the afternoon up in the trees. It was
an awesome way to build our confidence and be able Te Kowhai School held a twilight fiesta, showcasing Taking a breather at CanSurf
to encourage each other to finish the course. We also the artistic talent of its students. An enjoyable evening Introducing Nic, Waikato Regional
got to meet Ana, the new youth support coordinator. It was had by all and I was on hand to collect all the Manager
On the ropes at Adventure Forest
was her first time up in Northland so she was sent up generous donations given by the community.
I am very excited to join CanTeen as the Waikato
into the trees with us. She seemed quite nervous but
Regional Manager. I come from a background of
the members took good care of her and she ended up Girls’ night in
management in the early childhood sector and was
having a good time.
A relaxing end to a busy year. Our young ladies looking for a change in direction. CanTeen ticked
Dana
gathered for a pyjama party with crafts and an all the boxes for me in being such a people-focused
outdoor movie. Lots of great connections happened as organisation which really makes a difference in
we reflected on the year that was and the year ahead. young people’s lives. So
Introducing Marcus, Auckland/Northland far, I’ve really enjoyed
Regional Manager getting out and
Xmas celebration meeting the
Hi my name is Marcus and I’m the new Auckland/
Once again we travelled to Rainbow’s End for our Waikato team
Northland Regional Manager. Coming from my
end-of-year celebration. This time we were joined by and some of
previous role as the National Manager for the Halberg
the Bay of Plenty/Tauranga branch who brought our our wonderful
Disability Trust, I am excited for this opportunity to
total number of members and their whanau attending CanTeen
continue empowering and making a difference in the
to nearly 90! A great day was had by all, with families members. I
lives of young New Zealanders as part of the CanTeen
getting to know each other in an amazing race can’t wait to
team. I love the philosophies and values that CanTeen
followed by lunch. This day was completely free of meet more of
stands for and in my short time here, have been
charge for CanTeen members due to the generosity the CanTeen
inspired by the passion and commitment staff have
of Rainbow’s End. We were even able to provide community so if
to the vision that no young person should ever face
transport, thanks to RaD Hire Hamilton. you’re ever in the
cancer alone. I’m looking
Hamilton area, please
forward to being a Char - Youth Support Coordinator
pop in and say hi.
part of ensuring we
provide the best
services we can
for CanTeen
members, Thank you
alongside
my team of • Corinne Nicholson, inspired by her beautiful
five amazing daughters Erin and Whitley, both of whom
Youth Support were members of CanTeen, raised $1,250 by
Coordinators. completing Round the Bridges in Hamilton
• Te Kowhai School raised $1,156.20 for us at
their twilight fiesta
• RaD car hire Hamilton for providing vehicles
for us to transport CanTeen members and
Thanking Te Kowhai school
their families. With your support we were able
Thank you to attend our Xmas party at Rainbow’s End
and CanSurf in Waihi. Thanks, Jim and Sally
Having fun in the trees at Adventure Forest
• A huge thank you to the team at Adventure • Trust Waikato for $10,000 towards the salaries of Youth Support Coordinators
Forest for an awesome afternoon. • Len Reynolds Trust for $1,250 towards the salaries of Youth Support Coordinators.
Bay of Plenty East Cape
There have been some big In the last week before
changes in the staff team in Christmas, we put together
the Bay over the summer. I’ve boxes of Christmas goodies
taken a year away from CanTeen and delivered our good wishes
to have my second child. I’ll miss and extended our appreciation
you all greatly but wish you all to some of our local Gisborne
the best and make sure you keep businesses who support us – Repco,
that awesome CanTeen vibe going! Warehouse Stationery, Specsavers and
Don’t worry though, you’re now in the Hertz.
safe hands of Natalie, who started with us
in January. Be sure to give Natalie a huge Wairoa you wonder!
welcome with our unique CanTeen vibe.
In December I had an amazing day! I drove to
Looking super at CanSurf
Wairoa to receive donations totalling $7,622 from
Giving it a go Giving some goodies to Warehouse Stationery
the incredibly generous Wairoa community. When
We had an awesome time at CanSurf in November,
Introducing Natalie, Youth Support the CanTeen donation bucket was taken from its
seeing 35 members from across the division meet
Coordinator long-standing spot at Osler’s Bakery, local Wairoa
up with others in similar situations, for another woman Sarah Johansen stepped up and organised
Like Charlie, I’m originally from the UK but have also
memorable experience at Waihi beach. There they a community response that was going to turn this
worked across New Zealand and Australia as a social
offered each other that all-important peer support incident into something hugely positive. A fundraising
worker in hospitals and health
whilst learning to surf, having a go with the fire hoses commitment was made that showed just how much
care systems. I wanted
at the fire station, and exploring the area on the back this community are behind CanTeen. It was very
to work for CanTeen
of a Harley Davidson. New friends and connections moving to see the acts of kindness and incredible
because I love what
were made that will go beyond camp. We were very support the Wairoa community have for CanTeen.
the charity stands
well fed by the CanSurf team, The Surf Shack and The for and can’t wait to Celebrations and farewell
Flat White Café, and well looked after by the team at get out and about
Waihi Beach Top 10. in the community, One of our fabulous members, Morehu, celebrated his
empowering people twenty-fifth birthday in December. We had a dinner
Christmas gathering
to make their own to wish him all the best and thank him for being such
We had some amazing activities happening in our choices and actions. a wonderful part of CanTeen for 13 years. We gifted
Wairoa show their support
area. We had an amazing turnout for our Christmas I’m excited to meet you him a quilt made by the wonderful volunteer quilters
gathering, where we took a coachload of CanTeen all and take part in some we have in our area and Morehu’s whanau in return
members, their families and support people up of the awesome activities gifted us flowers and a beautiful card with personal
to Rainbow’s End for the day. The coach ride was we are planning for this year. messages from all his whanau.
fun and we realised we all need to brush up on Lianne - Youth Support Coordinator
our Christmas carols. We met up with the Waikato
division and their crew before everyone let loose on
the rides for a day full of fun.
Charlie - Youth Support Coordinator
Thank you
• JN Williams Memorial Trust & HB Williams
Thank you Turanga Trust for $10,000 to contribute
towards member support services
• Seugnet Toweel
• Hertz Gisborne for our vehicles for all our
• CanSurf Committee and Volunteers travel and connections Gifting Morehu with a beautiful quilt
• Waihi Beach Surf School • Thank you, Sarah, for taking the lead and a
• Bularangi Motorbikes New Zealand heartfelt thanks to everybody in Wairoa who
• Waihi Beach Volunteer Fire Brigade came on board, your donations, fundraising,
• Sew Hot Monograms events, and head shaves, kind words all mean
so much
• Right Price Rentals
• Thanks to Affco Wairoa, Wairoa Lions Club,
• Jeanette McCallum
The Wairoa Club Inc., Wairoa District Council,
• Phil and Talitha Tanuvasa Osler’s Bakery, St Joseph’s School, Wairoa
• Four Winds Foundation for $4,000 towards Primary School, Tiaho Primary School, Sarah,
Riding bikes at CanSurf
the salary of the Youth Support Coordinator. Leonie and the entire Wairoa community.
Rotorua Hawkes Bay
We’ve got new members and Wow, summer has been a
families joining CanTeen, who I full-on busy time in Hawkes
can’t wait to get to know better Bay! We have welcomed new
and spend time with. Joining the members and said goodbye to
CanTeen family is also Nicola, who members that have aged out,
is Waikato division’s new Regional too. Many members have chilled
Manager. A warm welcome to you all. in the CanTeen lounge, helped out
at fundraisers and enjoyed planning
for the 2018 activities that are coming
Outstanding CanSurf
up in our branch. We’ll be learning new
I was on leave during CanSurf last year, so Susie skills, supporting each other and having a
(Central Regional Manager) stepped in to help. It was good dose of friendship and fun along the
not surprising to hear that she had an outstanding way. Hope you had a good break and look
time with the support of our awesome volunteers Getting the firefighter experience at CanSurf
forward to catching up with everyone soon.
pitching together to ensure CanTeen members Enjoying the food at Splash Planet
had a great time. Every year, the amazing Waihi
We got to see “Moana”, swing with Mowgli in “The
Beach community have come together to fundraise
Jungle Book” and hunt for customers during “Hunt
and coordinate an amazing weekend for CanTeen Splash Planet end of year activity
for the Wilderpeople”. This was a great fundraising
members, with this year being no different. I always
It was so good to see a range of members, staff and experience, where we laughed, had fun and got
have members wanting to keep coming back because
volunteers coming together to celebrate the end to know each other a little bit more during each
they have such a great time. So thank you to all those
of a busy year in CanTeen – Manawatu, Rotorua and of the sausage sizzles. We were also upskilled and
involved; you do an amazing job!
Gisborne joined Hawkes Bay members at Splash learnt new skills such as customer service, time
Planet for a range of activities including swimming management and money handling, which we’ll able
Splashing fun (of course) and a BBQ lunch in amazing Hawkes Bay to use again in the future. We hope to be back next
weather. We swum around Splash Planet, raced the season for more fun and food.
Our end-of-year activity saw us heading to Splash
Go Karts and bumper boats all day, reuniting over Blossom
Planet with the East Cape, Manawatu and Hawkes Bay
a feast at lunch. There was so much laughter while
Branches to connect with members from around the Another great year of CanSurf catching up with old members and meeting the new.
country and celebrate our year. We had an amazing
Any branches that ever want to visit Hawkes Bay, you
time on the go karts, bumper boats, hydro slides and
are always welcome.
lazy river. We couldn’t have got everyone there if it
wasn’t for two amazing ladies who volunteered to Emily
drive another van down. You guys are awesome! We
really appreciate you coming down with us and hope
Sausage party
you had as much fun as we did.
Our CanTeen Family was invited to attend Mitre 10
4x4 Club and Bay Skate’s Outdoor Movie nights, where we did
some fundraising by sizzling our “sausees”. For just
In November the South Waikato 4x4 Club hosted $2 a sausage we were able to combine it with onions
the 20 Hazards Challenge as a fundraiser for our and saucing skills, a.k.a. “THE WORKZ”.
local branch. It was an amazing day and we were
Crowd at Bay Skate’s outdoor movie night
overwhelmed by the support from the club and
Enjoying some shade at Splash Planet
their members’ generosity. On the day, I had the
opportunity to thank them and share how every
donation supports the amazing young people that I
have the privilege of working with.
Emma - Youth Support Coordinator Thank you
• A big thank you to all our partners, sponsors,
supporters and volunteers who help us within
the Hawkes Bay branch. We couldn’t work our
magic without your help and support
Thank you • A big thanks to our friends at Mitre 10 Mega
Hastings and Napier, the Bay Skate team, the
• CanSurf Committee Sizzling Mamas on the BBQ and The A Team
• Waihi Community • Pub Charity for $10,000 towards the salary of Ready to serve some sausages
Thanking South Waikato 4x4 Club
• South Waikato 4X4 Club the Youth Support Coordinator.
Taranaki Manawatu
We’ve had great weather over There is always so much to plan
the summer season which has and think about when you start
meant we’ve been taking more a New Year and we did this with
of our activities outdoors. an awesome group of members
who simply happened to be all
guys, around lunch sponsored by
Enjoying the season
Burger King, interspersed with board
It’s been a busy summer full of outdoor games. Such a cool way to slide into
activities. We had our annual ten pin bowling 2018 spending time with these dudes!
competition between CanTeen and CCF which
had a fantastic turnout. We have also been paddle
boarding, making the most of this beautiful weather.
Over the next few months we are looking forward The Great Bandanna Challenge
to all of the national programmes coming up which We have started 2018 with a hiss and a roar as we Making their mark on the graffiti wall
Finishing the Round the Mountain Road Cycle
members will be able to attend. head into the final stage of The Great Bandanna
Challenge, which closes on 2nd March. It has been fantastic zone for anyone who needs to come and
great working with Te Manawa, who is sponsoring the think through or process anything to be able to
Round the Mountain Cycle 2018 launch of the exhibition on 29th March, running it for “download” onto the wall.
This year we competed again in the Round the three months. We have planned to have an auction
The last few months, this region has lost two amazing
Mountain Road Cycle. The team did an awesome job on 24th May for the remaining items that have been
members. It is in these moments that I sit and know
and we even beat our time from last year slightly. This made by many people from around the country, in
why I do what I do. It has been an immense privilege
was also a fundraiser, with over $1,200 raised. On top support of raising funds for CanTeen. Watch this
spending time getting to know these awesome
of that one of the CanTeen members, Logan, won an space for the exciting designs and announcements of
young women and their families. Cancer knows no
awesome spot-prize of a massive flat screen TV. winners.
bounds. It crosses diversity, ethnicity, culture, age and
Alex - Youth Support Coordinator gender and we often question why. However in the
Summer events big scheme of life, no one really has any answers, but
I do know this: these young women lived life to the
While we had an awesome Christmas party with
fullest; they were kind, caring and gave themselves
graffiti wall and other creative activities, peer support
Getting ready to ride to others even in the midst of their own journey. How
and staying connected with other members is super
inspirational is that! And that is why I do what I do!
important as well. So we joined forces with Rotorua,
Gisborne and headed across to Splash Planet in Karen - Youth Support Coordinator
Hawkes Bay. Everyone had a fantastic day slip-slop-
slapping sunscreen, sliding and swimming and going
for train and boat rides. It was great for the staff and
volunteers to get together also after a super busy
year.
Reflection
Reflecting on the end of last year, it was super special
being in our own disability-friendly zone, allowing
total inclusion of all members to come to our end
of year bash. We made our mark on our new space,
Cycling for a cause Spot prize winner creating our first graffiti wall. It was epic and is a
Planning for the year ahead
Thank you
• The Trusts Community Foundation for $5,000
towards the salary of the Youth Support
Thank you
Coordinator
• A huge thank you goes to Selwyn and Gayle • Thanks to Loop Colours and Resene for
Brown, who run Round the Mountain Road donated paint
cycle event every year and fundraise for us • Thanks to Splash Planet for their sponsorship
with donations given by participants at entry and support.
to the event.
Wellington Nelson/
2017 saw us say goodbye to Marlborough
a few people, but not without
welcoming a few more to the We’re continuing to build
CanTeen family. Looking forward relationships and connections
to all the opportunities this year in the Nelson/Marlborough
has to bring! area. It’s great when we’re
able to connect with the local
community to do so, which often
CanTeen Christmas makes for a great activity and day
The food, the presents, the fun! Christmas in my own
out.
family has always been about the people you choose
to share it with. Christmas at CanTeen is no different.
A bunch of young people who probably once upon a Selfie time at the monthly activity Coastguard Marlborough
time never dreamed they would be standing in a room
the end we all made it back. Later at the picnic With the sun shining bright and not much wind
together, gathered together to celebrate the year. Crusing along the coast together
a few of the members found the water guns and to be heard, it was the perfect excuse to go out
We voted for the best ugly Christmas sweater with
had a water fight which ended up in them all being on the Coastguard Marlborough Boat and be
Bridget winning with her Christmas tree dress. The
drenched and in the ocean. I found the bubble- treated to some delicious ice cream.
lights on it actually lit up, so no one was ever coming
blowers, climbed to the top of the playground
close. Our small but mighty group all boarded the
and spread bubbles over the whole area. It was an
Jess - Youth Support Coordinator awesome and sunny day out there meeting and impressive vessel and sped off towards the
hanging out with other CanTeeners. stunning Lochmara Lodge, situated in the
Marlborough Sounds.
Monthly activity Zoe
Once our destination was in sight, it was time
On Thursday 25 January, we met up at the waterfront Introducing Alex, Youth Support to kick back, relax and take some outstanding
for some waterfront cycling and a beach picnic. There Coordinator pictures, whilst of course enjoying some good
were about 12 of us plus staff “Awesome” Alex and ice cream. After a brief walk to look around at
“Wacky” Warrick. It was my first time on a crocodile Hi, I’m Alex, the new Youth Support Coordinator in the front part of the lodge, it was time to say
bike and definitely a lot of fun. The steering job by the Wellington. I joined in January and goodbye and head back to Picton.
people in the front was questionable at times, but in have spent some fun times
getting to know CanTeen The best part was yet to come - we all got turns
members at our regular at driving and controlling the boat, which was Coastguard Marlborough crew welcoming us aboard
catch-ups and monthly incredible. No injuries were sustained but many
Thank you activities. Face-to-face good laughs were shared as the boat crew
work with the members watched on, admiring our ‘skills’.
• Stiletto Studio for the amazing Minion was a big draw for me to
Christmas cake this role, as well as the With Blenheim being such a small town, it is
• NZ Post #NZSecretSanta for providing our member-driven holistic difficult for people to realize how important
Christmas presents approach that CanTeen connection and activities are, as they help to
take our minds off cancer. With experiences like
• The Longford Family Trust for their generous provides.
these, words to express our gratitude do not do
donation of $30,000 towards patient support
it justice.
services
Stacey
• To Toast Martinborough for having us as their
charity partner; we raised $2,190.40 on the
day. Thanks to the punters who donated,
Outpost 42 and Amber and Hirini for
collecting
• To Jessie, a friend of Jarred Townsend, for
raising $341.0 for CanTeen Wellington
• Longford Family Trust for $30,000 to Thank you
contribute towards member support services
• Thank you so much Coastguard Marlborough
• John Ilott Charitable Trust for $2,000 towards for allowing CanTeen members and staff to
the salaries of Youth Support Coordinators take a trip out on the fifty knots, three
• The Trusts Community Foundation for $10,000 hundred and fifty horsepower, three-motored
towards the salaries of Youth Support The winning Christmas sweater vessel - it’s an opportunity that’ll be forever Stacey taking control
Coordinators. cherished.
Canterbury/ Otago
West Coast We can’t do it alone. Thankfully
we have volunteers and young
Some of the worst news people within CanTeen stepping
you can hear after already up to ensure that no young
having cancer in the past, is person ever faces cancer alone.
that it has returned. For several
young people like Meg, this is
their reality. CanNection in action
Shania is one of our CanNectors
and since graduating in August has
When it came back played a crucial role within our branch.
She’s helped ensure we provide
I have been a CanTeen member for almost five opportunities for peer support in
years now, but in the last few months, I feel like I Otago, including taking the time to
Shania having some hat fun
have been a part of CanTeen more than ever. This meet with members who are in the
is because in October of last year, my life changed Getting ready for her headshave
midst of treatment. She’s helped put new members cancer to deal with as well. I like to think that being
from what it was before, when I was told that I had at ease during their first group catch-ups and most human is one struggle I can help young people with.
been diagnosed with cancer for a second time. recently jumped into the kitchen with a couple of I have really enjoyed my six months with CanTeen
members to whip up some lolly cake. Witnessing the and look forward to sharing the journey with CanTeen
The school holidays were just starting off and I was
depth of connection and power of peer support in members for years to come.
sitting in the doctor’s office being told that I have an
action is a real honour. It makes me excited to know
osteosarcoma tumour in my lower leg. I thought at Steve - Volunteer
we have CanNectors like Shania around the country
the time that being a CanTeen offspring, sibling and
who play an important role giving their time, heart
patient member was enough already, let alone being
and compassion to other young people. Young
a patient twice over!
people supporting young people is amazing!
As I was part of CanTeen, I felt that they would like Anna - Youth Support Coordinator
to know this information, and I am happy I told
them, as ever since the diagnosis I have felt CanTeen
becoming a larger part of my life. I especially Hugs after her headshave
My time so far
appreciate it when my Youth Support Coordinator
Being a volunteer for CanTeen is an immense
comes and visits me when I am sitting in my hospital
privilege. It has opened my eyes to how cancer
room for days on end. She brings movies to watch
is affecting everyday individuals on so many
and keeps me occupied, particularly on the days
different levels. Being able to share time, stories
that are tougher than others. But, also the hours of
and a laugh with the members has been a fun and
conversations that are talking about everything and In the kitchen preparing food for the branch
rewarding experience. Particularly being able to have
nothing at the same time are really helpful.
conversations with members about their particular
CanTeen has helped me get through what I thought story, which at first was not easy.
would not happen, after going through cancer as a
I, like many, struggled to grapple with the gravity
child.
of the disease and the situation that these young
Meg people had been thrust into. However, over time the
conversation has become more natural and flows a
Day outside chilling
little easier. Just being able to listen and learn and
hopefully in some way help has been a journey
in itself for me.
One thing that really struck me is how
the members are all in their own unique
ways so normal. They are grappling
Stretching it out on the floor
with the same everyday issues of being
adolescents and human, much like the rest
of us, albeit having the added difficulty of
Thank you
• The Trusts Community Foundation for a grant
of $7,500 towards the salaries of Youth
Being awarded for showcasing team spirit
Support Coordinators.
Steve and his dog shaking bucketSouthland Farewell Ryder
We celebrated Christmas in Many of you will have met Ryder
style and even better, with during her time at CanTeen and
new CanTeen members. have your own stories of her
It’s been great getting to glamour and graciousness. Here,
know new members and Warrick and Karen share theirs.
catching up with old ones too,
which we’ll be doing a lot of
Living life her way
throughout this year.
Ryder was one of the first members I met in
hospital when I first joined CanTeen. Although she
was initially introduced to me as Rob, she emerged
Southland Christmas celebration
beautifully some months later (if somewhat
Volunteer Serra hosted our Christmas party again and surprisingly to me) from the hospital lift doors, in
Ryder (centre) at the Youth Leadership Awards
we got to go for a swim in her pool. We played this her sparkly silver dress, high heels, flawless make-up
crazy game where we you had to keep throwing the and long wig. She knew how to make an entrance
Christmas curtsy greetings A legacy on diversity
dice until you got a six, then you had to put a Santa and she knew herself, as well as who she wasn’t.
hat and pot mitts on and try to unwrap a layer off a She made many difficult decisions to create her life Ryder August passed away on 1st March, surrounded
parcel before the person next to you threw a six. There and her life came with more than its fair share of by her family.
was lots of screaming at the dice and it was really hard challenges; cancer and treatment were just one of
to get the paper off with the mitts on. those. In fact, living life by attending the Rihanna I saw her that morning but my time was minimal due
concert was not medically recommended, but it put to her exhaustion. We did though share a couple of
Maureen - Youth Support Coordinator
cancer in its place. awesome things and one of them was how she had
lived life. Anyone who knew Ryder, knew she did
Ryder was part of a youth panel discussing the that to the fullest, with highs and lows, extremes
CanTeen and Me
challenges of being queer and receiving cancer and cautions. She embraced life with a tenacity and
My name is Cameron. I’m a gold and silver medalist treatment as part of the PONZ conference in courage that we often see members do, but Ryder
swimmer and part of the Southland Special Olympics Wellington. She was a panellist and despite had a complex life outside of cancer and she rose
team. I love singing, playing music, technology, not feeling well, gave a wonderfully candid and above this constantly, doing so with a humility, grace
swimming and I’m a Bereaved Offspring member of educational session, which was the highlight and spunk.
CanTeen. Coming together for Southland’s Christmas party for many, before being whisked off to Auckland
for Listen Up. Certainly, she gave more than she Ryder was a committee member in Manawatu for
The three words that describe CanTeen for me are received. years, before moving to Wellington and becoming
amazing, joyful and supportive. The best thing about a Listen Up rep. She packed so much in her in short
CanTeen is being able to hang out with people the What I loved about Ryder was that despite the life, more than what most people do in a lifetime.
same age who have been through a cancer journey numerous challenges she kept on striving forward,
like me. It’s been a challenge for me talking about the being the first in her family to attend university. She She was a character. Had me on my toes, chasing her
tough stuff of my cancer journey, but when I say how saw life as filled with opportunities. to attend her appointments at hospital. She often
I feel it’s like a great weight off my shoulders. I went walked out of the ward because she was put in a
Ryder was always gracious, always thankful and room with men and she was a woman deep down.
to REAL last year and it was a good experience that
never giving up. At the end, she had amazing nails, Those of us who were here when she shared her
helped this. I learnt new techniques to help me deal
eyelash extensions, eyebrows done, dress picked story about trans gendering to Ryder, will know that
with things that were on my mind and met new people
out, wig ready to go. Even her passing was an she changed the face of CanTeen in that area. That
who I’m still in touch with.
opportunity to show the world how beautiful she leaves a legacy from Ryder for us to honour her in
My advice for new members would be to always Cameron taking the mic was. She will be remembered for her beautiful soul. how we embrace diversity, culture
ask for help. There’s a youth support coordinator Warrick - Youth Support Coordinator and allow people to be who
or fellow CanTeen member to help. Kerry is one they are.
of those CanTeen members you can turn to. She’s
always brightening up someone’s day and really Ryder girl, you fought a
understanding, having been through her own cancer good race and won in my
journey. It’s always good to talk to her. Just remember, books! Say hi to Tay –
that you don’t have to feel alone, especially if CanTeen (no doubt you will both
is involved. continue to get up to
mischief) and give her a
Cameron
bit hug from me. Fly high
beautiful girl and may you
rest in total and absolute peace. Ryder at the AYA Launch
Karen - Youth Support Coordinator
Cameron and Brayden at REAL
Ryder at HomegrownHave something you want to share?
Contact us on info@canteen.org.nz
“Learnt how much
I have grown and
changed.”
“Now I have a
feel for CanTeen
and it gives me
the confidence
to attend more
things.”
“(I learnt to) relax
more and enjoy
life.”
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