BOPDHB Checkup April 2018 | Page 23

Members of the Project Hope community fundraising committee from left to right: Vic Munroe (seated) John Pullar, Doug Bull, Mrs Streeter ,Mary Munroe, Barney Gray, Helen Stewart, Lyn Irving, Jane Haultain, Kaye Graham, Robyn Towersy, Karla Hammond, Yvonne Boyes, Madeline and Jim Savage. Community leaders recognised at Eastern Bay Cancer Centre celebrations Community leaders who were the driving force behind the establishment of the purpose built Bay of Plenty Energy Cancer Centre, gathered recently marking its 10th anniversary. Project Hope, led by long term Eastern Bay community leader and former Whakatāne Mayor, the late Colin Hammond, raised $1.5 million over four years (2005-2008). Karla Hammond (centre) from Project Hope does the honours marking the 10th anniversary of the purpose built cancer centre in Whakatāne. Also pictured Nurses Debra Middleton and Trudy Howard. The Bay of Plenty Energy Cancer Centre opened in 2008, providing Eastern Bay people with improved access to cancer treatment closer to home. In the last decade the number of cancer treatments provided at the centre has increased and Oncologists and Haematologists from Tauranga have weekly clinics, whereas previously those clinicians would travel from Waikato once a month. Surplus funds from Project Hope enabled a Renal Unit to be built on site for patients with kidney failure needing dialysis. Waikato Renal Physicians also provide a monthly clinic on site. Monies from Project Hope’s huge community fundraising effort also went to the local hospice and Plunket. Left to right: Medical Cluster Nurse Leader Sandra Fielding, Debra Middleton, Oncology Nurse Manager Jenny Coffey, Volunteer Margaret Tebbutt (front), Oncology Administrator Michelle Otten and Trudy Howard. 23