News and stories
Read our latest updates and patient stories
MyLifeMatters Campaign Launched
MyLifeMatters is a collective of patient advocate organisations representing more than 1 million patients with cancers, rare disorders, diabetes, and other life limiting conditions calling for the New Zealand Government to start investing in new and breakthrough medicines at the same level as other OECD countries.
August 2023 Newsletter – Spot News
In this issue we feature two patient stories in this issue. Firstly, Julia Robertson and her husband who took the time to visit our team at this year’s Fieldays event at Mystery Creek to thank us for correctly diagnosing a malignant melanoma on her face. Then Emma de Teliga, who was generous enough to share her journey since she was diagnosed with melanoma and why she still feels lucky despite completely having her life turned upside down. Plus, lots more!
Policy announcement to fund cancer medicines a game-changer for melanoma patients in New Zealand
Melanoma New Zealand is welcoming National’s policy announcement to fund 13 essential cancer medicines, saying it is a much-needed lifeline and will improve patient outcomes for thousands of New Zealanders.
Dr Sonja Bodley Speaks about the dangers of sunbeds on Breakfast
Our Board Trustee, Dr Sonja Bodley spoke on TVNZ’s Breakfast show about the sunbeds and why they should be banned in New Zealand.
2023 Cockies and Tradies Melanoma Awareness Charity Golf Tournament
Chris Flannery is hosting the 2023 Cockies and Tradies Melanoma Awareness Golf Tournament is on again this October. Registrations are open now.
Speed up and step up, PHARMAC!
PHARMAC’s lack of funding makes life-saving and life-extending treatments financially out of reach for many New Zealanders.
Delivering the ball…and our key messages!
To help Melanoma New Zealand raise awareness, our Founding Patron, Lynn Stratford, generously sponsored the opportunity to have all of this season’s Mainland Tactix netball home games feature ball deliverers with a family connection to melanoma.
Melanoma awareness advocate on Great Barrier
Great Barrier Island local Lisa Davenport uses airtime during her weekly Friday morning
Aotea FM radio show to help raise awareness about melanoma.
Cancer strikes Hawke’s Bay family, twice
When former port worker Jason Hooker was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in January this year, his whānau had just celebrated the news that their 19-year-old son, Mikes, had gone into remission after a seven-year battle with brain and spine cancer.
May 2023 Newsletter
In this issue, we share the heartfelt story of Jason Hooker, who only just got through his 19-year-old son’s seven-year cancer journey when he was diagnosed with melanoma earlier this year. Jason and his whānau are now juggling his illness with finding ways to pay for his treatment.
We also share a very moving account by Anita Kooge, who, many years on from her son Jeff’s untimely death at the age of 23, is supporting our call for PHARMAC funding for melanoma drugs so others don’t have to suffer the way Jeff did.