For those of you who are not familiar with the Pink Ribbon Breakfast, it is an annual fundraising campaign held in various countries around the world, including New Zealand and Australia, to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research and associated supportive services. This initiative is organized by the Breast Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, which is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the quality of life for people affected by breast cancer through education, research, and other support services.

The Pink Ribbon Breakfast encourages individuals and organizations to host a breakfast event and invite friends, family, colleagues, and community members to attend. The hosts can choose the date, time, and location of the event and provide breakfast for their guests in exchange for a donation to the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation.

The campaign has become a significant event in the fight against breast cancer, with thousands of people participating each year. It not only raises funds for breast cancer research and support services, but it also promotes awareness of the disease and encourages women to take proactive steps towards early detection and prevention.

Overall, the Pink Ribbon Breakfast program is an inspiring initiative that brings communities together to support a worthy cause and make a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a disease that affects millions of people around the world. According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, and it is the second most common cancer overall. The good news is that there has been a lot of progress in breast cancer research over the years, and survival rates have been steadily increasing.

At the time of writing this article, the Ministry of Health here in New Zealand state that "Breast cancer is New Zealand’s third most common cancer and accounts for more than 650 deaths every year". Breast cancer is therefore a prevalent disease in New Zealand, affecting approximately one in nine women over their lifetime. While about 70% to 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer and about 80% of those who pass away from it are aged 50 or older, some women may be at higher risk due to a family history of the disease. Nonetheless, the majority of breast cancer cases occur in women with no such family history, and even those with relatives who have had breast cancer are unlikely to develop it. (Ministry of Health 2015)

While breast cancer is less common in younger women, it still affects about 6% of women under the age of 40 in here New Zealand. A lesser-known fact is that men can also develop breast cancer, although it is relatively uncommon, with around 25 cases diagnosed each year in this country.

There is still much work to be done, however. Breast cancer is a complex disease, and there are many factors that contribute to its development and progression. This is why events like the Pink Ribbon Breakfast are so important – they help to fund critical research that can lead to better treatments and ultimately, a cure.

As someone who has been touched by breast cancer in my own life, I feel a personal connection to this cause. I have seen first-hand the toll that this disease can take on individuals and families, and I know how important it is to support those who are fighting this battle.

It seems fitting that Faces and Places Photography was chosen as the main photographer for this year’s Pink Ribbon Breakfast in Omokoroa. Being able to photograph this year’s event means that I am contributing to a worthy cause, and I am honoured to be a part of it this year.

Out of our family of seven, four family members have had cancer in one form or another. My mother has had breast cancer and survived the ordeal, however two other family members who contracted other types of cancer were not so lucky. Breast cancer is a prevalent disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and events like this help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and local support services. I feel very grateful to be chosen to photograph this local event and help make a difference in the awareness of this disease.

As a result, I will have the chance to capture memorable moments of the breakfast event, such as the attendees playing their round of golf prior to their meal, guests enjoying their meals, and the guest speakers for the event. My photographs will help document the event and preserve its memories for years to come. Such a great honour.

Speaking of guest speakers, Dame Susan Devoy has been chosen as the speaker for this year’s Omokoroa Pink Ribbon Breakfast. She has been a long-time advocate of assisting charities, so we are very glad to have her speaking to our small but vibrant community. I am confident that all attendees will benefit from her words of wisdom. After all, she is a well-known New Zealand sports celebrity and prominent member of society.

Being the main photographer for the 2023 Pink Ribbon Breakfast will also provide me with an excellent opportunity to connect more with my own community. I will have the chance to meet new people and network with many other professionals and residents here in our local Omokoroa township.

It will be a great day for all those in attendance, as there are a lot of fun activities planned for the day. There will be prizes, raffles, and auctions for everyone to participate in, as well as the enjoyment of the company of other residents.

A big thank you goes out to Sarah Campbell for organising the event and giving me the opportunity to participate in this very important event.