In January 2019, Bluesky (formerly Telecom and now Vodafone) and the Ministry of Health conducted a “Text Health Cancer Awareness” programme. Over 7000 texts raised $18,000 which went towards cancer screening initiatives.

Of over 500 women screened during the extended July programme, only two were referred to New Zealand.

CIBCF was gifted a Dear Boobs book, New Zealander Emily Searle had written with 100 letters from Kiwi women sharing their experiences of breast cancer and if they had had a mammo earlier etc. The Foundation got permission from her to pop some on the wall at the hospital by the x-ray room for women to read.

Fundraising continued with a “Vinyl Revival Night” held in September at the Aotearoa Centre with Ian and Claire of The Café donating the entertainment for the evening. The fundraising October efforts continued with CIBCF’s staunch followers.

With borders closed in 2020 due to Covid, CIBCF and CIFWA implemented Breast Self-Examination clinics around Rarotonga. All women between the ages of 35 - 60 years were offered this opportunity.

Retail outlets ribbons and donation boxes including Vodafone and CITC contributing to October with a special mention going to staff at Development Coordination Department who continue to dress in pink in celebration of Pink Ribbon Day Appeal.

Myra Tatakura, our unofficial roving ambassador, featured in Cook Islands News.  After Myra courageously shared her story, the Foundation received messages from all over the world in support of the Cook Islands awareness campaigns.

Although the Cook Islands borders opened May 2021, restrictions were still in place. Therefore, the mammography screening programme was unable to be held.

However, TMO Tupapa Promotion Unit interviewed breast cancer survivors, Myra Tatakura, Carmen Temata, Mata Cockburn, and Dawn Baudinet. These courageous women spoke on a range of subjects including the stigma attached to having breast cancer and how the Foundation assists the women of the Cook Islands.

“She Shines” girls soccer tournament was held at CIFA grounds and Jaewynn McKay led the board members in attendance.

The Rarotonga Rotary Club hosted an evening with breast cancer survivor, and founder of Lawson Hills Winery, Barbara Lawson, who shared insights of treatments available and the progression towards recovery.

The Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation financially assisted TMO with advertising the Covid-19 Vaccination Programmes held over 2021 and 2022.

From Aug 27 to September 17, 2022, Dr Fran Jones led a total of eight medical personnel to conduct the screening programme. Mrs Cummings did a magnificent job identifying and contacting women who were overdue for follow-up screening. The Rarotonga team of Rose Josefa, Talei Marshall and Waisiki Lomalagi are now highly skilled in managing the logistics of preparing for and managing these visits. 

This four-week programme enabled TMO to screen 809 women, a record number, with 11 referred to NZ. Air Rarotonga in conjunction with CIBCF flew 27 Pa Enua women to and from Rarotonga.

TMO continued a follow up of their Patient Referral programme from the Pa Enua which included women coming from Mangaia, Aitutaki, Penrhyn and Rakahanga.

Dr Fran, Dr O’Sullivan, and Mrs C were interviewed by Greg Parker for CITV.

Dawn Baudinet attended a Register for the Cook Islands National Cancer Consultant Policy Plan Stakeholders Seminar with TMO. This involved representatives from the World Health Organization, Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific Islands.

In 2023 the Foundation Board reached out to Helen Wong, Breast Screen Counties Manukau, Auckland, for advice on issues regarding helping patients referred to New Zealand. Although pamphlets are given to them the process can be daunting.

Unfortunately, in April 2023 the Board was advised the mammography machine was no longer fit for purpose. This was a huge disappointment for the Board and Dr Fran Jones who along with Janine McNiel had been instrumental in the donation of the machine from NSW. Therefore, 2022 was the final visit for the NSW team.

Dr Yin Yin May, director of hospital services, retired in June 2023. Dr May had been the glue that held the screening programme together over the years in ensuring the programme continued successfully.

In July, CIFWA and CIBC conducted a Breast Self-Examination and Pap Smear campaign.

Rarotonga Rotary Club held an “Evening with Debbie”. Debbie Sorenson is the CEO of the Pasifika Medical Association Group of charitable companies and Pasifika Futures, the Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency for Pacific families in New Zealand and a long-time supporter.

Debbie was sharing her story of her battle with breast cancer. She also had a 15-minute video of her in hospital and what her experiences were. It was a powerful speech and quite emotional too. CIBCF received a donated of $2000 from Rotary/Coastal Kitchen, which is very, very much appreciated and very generous, thank you.

In Pinktober 2023 a new range of t-shirts was made available, and it was suggested in 2024 CIBCF would have their own range of merchandise including their logo.

Over the past 20 years, the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation has broken barriers, by educating and empowering women with knowledge and practical skills for prioritising their health.

The Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation continues to ensure the health and wellbeing for the women of the Cook Islands and is always at the forefront of any decision they make.

The dedication of women on the Board of CIBCF over the years who voluntarily offer their services, the financial members, the business sectors continued support, the staff with their personal passion of those Government Departments, the community at large and the visitors to the Cook Islands over the last 20 years has been extraordinary.

A huge Meitaki Maata to all who have contributed their time, effort, energy, compassion, and support, through your donations and sponsorship you have encouraged the Foundation to prosper and flourish to where we are today.

Kia Manuia.

-          Compiled by Dawn Baudinet, long-time president and immediate past president of the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation Inc.

Presidents, Board members of CIBCF from 2003 – 2023  

Presidents:

2003 – 2005 – Sue Woonton

2005 – 2008 – Helen Henry

2008 – 2013 – Dawn Baudinet

2015 – 2018 - Jaewynn McKay

2018 – 2023 – Dawn Baudinet

Patrons – Tiana Meyer – 2004 – 2008 – Helen Henry 2008 – 2024

Board members since 2003

Helen Wong

Matilda Tirea (Treas)

Rosie Blake

Fiona Tamariki (sec)

Debbie Ave (Treas)

Maara Toleafoa (Treas)

Inano McMurchy (Sec)

Lynn Bryant

Karen Johnson

Karen Tirea

Tricia Thompson

Fern Mills

Toru Ngatoko

Tiana Meyer

Alouise Kado

Karlene Pynenburg (sec)

Liz Koteka (VP)

Nana Short (Sec)

Anna Staples

Sonya Kamana

Patricia Tuara

Mary Young (VP)

Kelly Bullivant (Sec)

Erika Kaczmarek

Rangi Materia

Megan Symmons

Helen O’Meara (Treas)

Eve Hayden (Sec)

Pauline Dennehy

Lesley Okatai

Mata Pera

Jolene Bosanquet