Be a STAR and walk for Breast Cancer
Pink Star Walkers are getting ready to line the streets pink for breast cancer at the 2017 Breast Cancer Foundation NZ Pink Star Walks in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Registrations are now open for the events at www.pinkstarwalk.co.nz, which take place during October (and into November) as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month, and are kindly sponsored by Estee Lauder Companies. The annual Breast Cancer Foundation NZ (BCFNZ) fundraiser is a non-competitive fun walk, with no training required before participating - just a willingness to join a group of boisterous women, men and children in support of those affected by breast cancer. The walks are held in the twilight hours, providing a unique experience. There is a party atmosphere at the finish line with entertainment provided; walkers are encouraged to celebrate and have a fun evening out together.
The BCFNZ Pink Star Walks are held in New Zealand’s major cities, and open to all ages. The walking courses are a mix of 5km, 10km, or half marathon (21km) option, depending on location. The course must be walked, not run; with walkers encouraged to dress in pink, with many groups coordinating their costumes as a team and registering to fundraise.
Registration is easy through the dedicated event website www.pinkstarwalk.co.nz The registration fee covers the costs of holding the event and a small donation, with walkers encouraged to set up fundraising pages so friends and family can sponsor their efforts. Funds are raised through a combination of entry fees, personal sponsorships and donations.
Stacey Morrison, BCFNZ Ambassador and radio host from The Hits, along with her co-host Flynny, will MC at the Auckland event, cheering on walkers and handing out medals at the finish lines to those completing the 21km distance options in Auckland and Christchurch. “Pink Star walks always create an atmosphere of hope, empowerment and fun! I always feel uplifted and inspired by the number of people who come to make a difference and get active. As always, I’m looking forward to seeing all the stars at the Pink Star Walk!” says Stacey Morrison, who lost her mother to breast cancer at a young age. Keeping fit and active is important to Stacey, who loves that the Pink Star Walk is an event which is accessible to everyone no matter what their age or fitness level.
The Pink Star Walk includes a pre-walk warm-up. Walkers follow the route marked by pink balloons, and rehydrate via water stations available around the course, manned by volunteers who are there to support and encourage participants. The Hits will provide free bright pink balloons for walkers, too.
At the conclusion of the walk there’s a festive atmosphere with music, entertainment, and prizes awarded to best dressed individuals and teams, as well as spot prizes.
“Our Pink Star Walks are a great way to show your support for friends, family or colleagues affected by breast cancer,” says Evangelia Henderson, chief executive at Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. “The money raised by the three events will help us achieve our vision of zero deaths from breast cancer by pushing for new frontiers in early detection, treatment and support,” says Mrs Henderson.
BCFNZ Pink Star Walks are held in three locations:
Auckland
Route: The Auckland Domain and Waterfront (21km only)
Saturday 7th October 2017
3:30pm for 21km walk (ages 18+ only)
5:15pm for 5km & 10km walk
Christchurch
Route: starts at North Hagley Park
Saturday 28th October 2017
3:30pm for 21km walk (ages 18+ only)
6:00pm for 5km walk
Wellington
Route: starts at Frank Kitts Park and along Wellington Waterfront
Saturday 11th November 2017
5:00pm for 10km walk
5:45pm for 5km walk
History of Pink Star Walk
The Pink Star Walk has been a major fixture on New Zealand’s event calendar since it began in Auckland in 2006. The event was held in Wellington and Christchurch for the first time in 2015. Major sponsor Estee Lauder and media partner The Hits radio station have supported Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s aim to provide a unique mass-participation walking event designed for breast cancer survivors and supporters. Held in the twilight hours, the emphasis is not on competing for first place, rather to walk at your own pace, get a group of friends and family together, and enjoy the camaraderie of others who join in a common cause.
Last year’s Pink Star Walks attracted over 4,200 registered walkers and raised $500,000. This year the goal is to attract 5,000 walkers, and raise a total of $600,000 towards the breast cancer cause.
Walkers can register for the events at www.pinkstarwalk.co.nz
About Breast Cancer in New Zealand:
-More than 3000 women a year are diagnosed with breast cancer in NZ – that’s 8 women a day
-90-95% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease
-Around 350 NZ women under the age of 45 (when free mammograms start) will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year – that’s one woman a day
-While breast cancer has a good cure rate when found early, many women have their cancer come back: only 73% will be disease-free 10 years after diagnosis
-More than 600 women will die of breast cancer this year – about the size of a large primary school.
-Breast Cancer Foundation NZ recommends women consider having yearly breast screening mammograms at age 40-49 years of age, then screen every two years from age 50.
About Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is a not-for-profit organisation that depends on individual donations, community fundraising, grants from trusts and foundations and partnerships with business for its work in breast cancer education and awareness, medical research and training grants, advocacy, and supporting women with breast cancer. The BCFNZ’s programmes are evidence-based, overseen by its medical advisory committee. The pink ribbon symbol is a trademark of the foundation in New Zealand.
www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz