"Great Christmas Present for Women" says Skip for Life


The government's full funding of 12 months' Herceptin treatment for early stage Her2-positive breast cancer is great Christmas news for women, says Skip for Life.

The fundraising charity welcomes yesterday's announcements from prime minister John Key and health minister Tony Ryall, that women with the primary stage of this aggressive cancer can now receive a year-long course of Herceptin free from their DHB.

Families of women fighting breast cancer are enormously relieved by the new government's decision, says Skip for Life founder Jacqueline Harrison, a former nurse.

Even women already part-way through expensive Herceptin treatment that they have funded themselves in the private sector – to the tune of thousands of dollars – can now complete their course free in the public health system.

Full funding is dated from November 19, when the new government was sworn in.

Under the previous government, drug-subsidy agency Pharmac had approved only a nine-week course, regarded by many as less than optimum.

In the past year and half, at numerous events and through the sale of merchandise, Skip for Life has generated over $30,000.00 and distributed funds to five women who were struggling to afford private treatment with Herceptin.

"Our call for support from the public has been warmly received," says Ms Harrison. And she says all the recipients of funds, and their families, have been deeply grateful.

Skip for Life continues to take donations for people who are still paying off treatments from the recent past. Visit www.skipforlife.org.nz

The charity will continue to assist New Zealanders to fundraise for potentially lifesaving cancer treatments in the future. Meanwhile, Jacqueline has already moved into a new phase of working as a Business Strategist for Consultz International Ltd visit www.consultzinternational.com and Mothers Online visit www.MothersOnline.co.nz In addition Jacqueline is writing a book, which will be published later this year. Visit www.jacquelineharrison.com