June 22, 2021
In an historical first, ANZ Premiership netball team Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse will partner with gynaecological charity Talk Peach in helping to educate and raise awareness of the associated cancers.
Every year 1000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with one of the five gynaecological cancers, cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulval from which approximately 400 will die.
Apart from cervical cancer, there are no screening tools for the other four gynaecological cancers and until recently little information publicly on them. New Zealand’s gynaecological death rate is higher than both melanoma and the annual road toll.
``As netball is the number one female sport in Aotearoa, we are always looking at ways to exhibit kotahitanga and whanaungatanga with and for others,’’ Pulse CEO Fran Scholey said.
``This opportunity came about when Netball NZ allowed additional branding on our dresses and rather than commercialising that, we wanted to be able to raise awareness to issues that are bigger than any of us.
``Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse has a loyal female/whānau following and Tash at Talk Peach is leading an incredible journey, one that I believe should not be led alone. We have a real responsibility to use our platform in a meaningful way and in doing so working alongside to create awareness on behalf of Tash and Talk Peach.
``Our values align in hoping to foster change in awareness, education and saving lives.’’
Now back to full health, Tash Crosby, a learning and behaviour specialist with the Ministry of Education, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2017 and founded Talk Peach due to the lack of awareness and support for those diagnosed.
``This is the first time a national sports team has ever had a gynaecological charity on their uniform,’’ Crosby said.
``It’s incredible but also highlights how overlooked gynaecological cancers have been. There is so much to be done to educate and raise awareness, this mahi (work) is key to saving lives.
``We couldn't be more thrilled to be represented by the team, it’s been an emotional signing for us, a partnership that we feel highlights the importance of our mahi, our kete (basket) feels full.
``It really has been a grassroots movement, battling cancer and starting a movement from the ground up has been no easy feat and this partnership will help us take our message far and wide.
``Together we hope to foster much needed change in helping save lives.’’
For more information:
Pulse CEO, Fran Scholey:
[email protected] / Ph: 021-451-243
Talk Peach Founder/Director, Tash Crosby:
[email protected] / Ph: 021-0826-3079
www.talkpeach.org.nz (educational website), instagram @talk_peach and facebook page ‘Talk Peach Gynaecological Foundation’
Get in touch, our founder/director and one of our board members have both battled gynaecological cancer and know the ins and outs of where to go and who is available to support (details on website).
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