News release 30 September, 2014

First Pink Star Walk for Wellington this Saturday October 4 – local star Louis Baker to perform

The NZ Breast Cancer Foundation will hold its Pink Star Walk in Wellington for the first time this Saturday October 4, with a performance from local star, Silver Scroll finalist Louis Baker, rounding out the night.

The 10km route takes walkers from Frank Kitts Park around the waterfront to Greta Point and back again, with a “family-friendly” 5km option available. Funds raised from entry fees and sponsorship of the Estee Lauder Companies Pink Star Walk will go to research, including the Wellington Breast Cancer Register which gathers treatment and outcome data on patients throughout the region, rehabilitation for women recovering from mastectomy, and awareness of mammograms for early detection.

Many in the crowd are expected to be breast cancer survivors and their families – around 370 women in the Wellington region will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. One woman who will be “walking” in a wheelchair pushed by her supporters is Levin mum Veronica Hirini, who underwent breast reconstruction two weeks ago. Veronica, a primary school teacher, was diagnosed with breast cancer soon after her 45th birthday after she found a lump when checking her breasts.

“I can’t wait to do the walk,” she said. “Recently I’ve had several women who’ve been called back for more checks after a mammogram asking about what might be in store for them. I tell them, ‘It’s not great, but it’s okay.’ I’ve been through a lot, but I’ve come out the other side, and doing the Pink Star Walk is part of that.”

“It will be a night of celebration and support, and we’re hoping as many people from the Wellington region as possible will join us,” said (Mrs) Van Henderson, chief executive at the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation. “The combination of the twilight camaraderie, the sea air and Louis’ music as a finale will be magic, and there’s the bonus of doing some good at the same time.”

The NZBCF invites walkers to dress in pink, and expects to see a range of great costumes as well as more practical gear. Wellingtonians can register for the Estee Lauder Companies Pink Star Walk at www.pinkstarwalk.co.nz

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