Blood Cancer NZ

04/06/2026

The Autumn issue of Lifeblood is here! 🍂

Inside, you’ll meet some of the incredible patients
we’ve helped to support, including Kimberley, who’s featured
on this issue’s cover.

Look out for your copy in your letterbox this week, or download your digital copy here: https://www.bloodcancer.org.nz/news/lifeblood-issue-65-may-2026

02/06/2026

Another special moment ❤

While Anne is in hospital being treated for blood cancer, her firefighter friend Trevor laced up his boots, put on his tank & mask and climbed the Sky Tower in her honour – her photo pinned right to his arm.

At the exact same moment he was climbing, Anne was looking out her hospital window at the Sky Tower, touched by his effort and that of all those who participated to raise money for her.

28/05/2026

We have just released our new Blood Cancers in Primary Health Care booklet - a practical resource designed to support GPs and other primary health care practitioners in caring for blood cancer patients.

With around 27,000 New Zealanders currently living with blood cancer, primary health practitioners play a vital role at every stage of the patient journey. From recognising early warning signs, to managing side effects during treatment, to supporting patients living with and beyond blood cancer, this booklet covers it all.

Inside you'll find an overview of the main blood cancer types, guidance on the physical and psychosocial consequences of diagnosis and treatment, tips for supporting patients, and information on how Blood Cancer NZ can help patients and their whānau.

The booklet includes a dedicated section written for patients themselves, helping them to navigate and get the most out of their primary health care - so it's a great resource to share directly with your patients too.

Whether you're seeing a newly diagnosed patient or supporting someone who has completed treatment, this resource is here to help you provide the best possible care.

Download your copy here:https://www.bloodcancer.org.nz/assets-prod/downloads/Information-Booklets-SS-Documents/Blood-Cancers-in-Primary-Health-Care.pdf

26/05/2026

$2,500,000 Raised!!!

Once again, we want to say a massive thank you to everyone across the country that helped us reach this epic milestone!

A special thank you to our generous event & award partners, who helped make this event that much more special. ❤️

25/05/2026

Thank you!!! ❤

Saturday marked our 22nd annual Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge — and what a day it was.

A massive thank you to every firefighter who turned up at and climbed all 1103 stairs in the Tower, raising nearly $2.5 Million to support Kiwis facing blood cancer! The hard work, determination and generosity of this community never fails to amaze us. ❤

To our sponsors and supporters — none of this happens without you. Your belief in the firefighters, the brigades, and this event means the challenge can continue on year after year.

There is still time to donate to your local brigade via https://firefighterschallenge.org.nz/

23/05/2026

In honour of the fundraising efforts of firefighters across the country, we will be lit in red and yellow to symbolise a fire truck with pride for the annual Sky Tower Challenge.

Thank you to everyone who has donated, fundraised or trained for this event!

To donate 🔗 Link in bio

21/05/2026

18/05/2026

A huge thank you to the incredible Firefighters who showed up, sweated it out, and gave their all on Saturday — your dedication means everything. 💪🔥

We are so grateful to Farmers and to the stores and staff for all they have done throughout this campaign. We couldn't do this without you! The effort you put in helps raise vital funds to support blood cancer patients. Here are a few photos from around the country! 📸

A big shout out to the wonderful companies who loaned equipment for our firefighters to use on the day:

Farmers Botany & Albany: Lee Warehouse
Famers The Base: STM Fit & Flex Fitness
Farmers Rotorua: Flex Fitness Rotorua
Farmers New Plymouth: Distinction Hotel
Farmers Hawkes Bay (Napier): Taradale Fire Brigade
Farmers Northlands: Snap Fitness Papanui
Farmers Dunedin: Compound Gym
Farmers Invercargill: The Y

And thanks to Firefighters in these stores:

Farmers Lambton Quay (Wellington)
Farmers The Crossing (Tauranga)

Have photos of your own from the event you want to share? Feel free to tag us or send them via DM — we'd love to see them!

15/05/2026

“Every child deserves care delivered with dignity, comfort, and compassion, and every family deserves to feel supported during the most difficult times imaginable.”

These are the words of the Minister of Health, Hon. Simeon Brown, announcing $15.5 million over four years to establish a nationally consistent specialist paediatric palliative care service.

We regularly hear from families that access to these services can be challenging, particularly for those outside Auckland. During periods of intense stress and vulnerability, being able to receive care closer to home can make an enormous difference.

We are pleased to see the Government respond to feedback from the sector, including Blood Cancer NZ’s submission to the consultation, and welcome this investment as a positive step toward more equitable access to specialist paediatric palliative care.

We know that specialist clinical care is only one part of what families need during these incredibly difficult times. Blood Cancer NZ remains committed to walking alongside patients and whānau, providing practical, emotional, psychosocial, and bereavement support throughout the blood cancer journey.

Read here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/bringing-specialist-paediatric-palliative-care-closer