What we’re all about…
The Gift of Knowledge has been created to provide information and support to people who are impacted by a genetic pre disposition to cancer.
Our goal is that every New Zealander impacted by a BRCA mutation will have access to relevant information and support.
We are a new organisation with big goals and dreams.
Some of our short term goals are:
- To ensure that there is somewhere in New Zealand where people with a genetic pre disposition for breast and ovarian cancer (BRCA) can go and get the support and information they need
- To provide support and information to help people work through their options
- To raise the awareness of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
- To represent the concerns and interests of our high risk community
- To promote research specific to hereditary cancer and support other organisations who are fighting hard to find a cure
Our values are knowledge, ease and collaboration
Knowledge, because it’s so powerful. It can save a life.
Ease because we believe it should be.
Collaboration because we can all achieve more together.
To learn more about us please explore our site. This site is for everyone impacted by BRCA. If you would like to share your thoughts and ideas on how we can make this worthwhile please send them to info@giftofknowledge.co.nz
Background
A little bit about me
My name is Nicola I'm 35 years old and BRCA positive. I consider it a Gift of Knowledge. Within 10 months of finding this out, I had a double mastectomy with a Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) reconstruction. My new breasts aren’t perfect, but I really like them. I am now planning to have my ovaries removed, but early menopause scares me and I haven’t had a family yet.
The things that are important to me are my family, partner Shaun and friends. Things that I enjoy are BBQ’s on summer nights, my modest garden, long weekends at our batch at Whitecliffs and fresh flowers, especially peonies.
People I admire are those who make a difference, the wonderful medical team I have had access to here in Christchurch and all medical professionals dedicating their life to keeping people alive and well, Rachael Brown who co-founded the Silver Ribbon Foundation and my Mum because she doesn’t give up.
My view on BRCA? It changes. Some days I hate it, but mostly I'm grateful for it. I do have an overwhelming desire to beat it and to help others beat it. I'm excited about the number of people around the globe working hard to find new treatments and screening techniques for the next generation. I truely believe it's a personal journey, there' s no right path and because of this, knowledge it crucial. If you have knowledge you can make informed decisions.
Why I created The Gift of Knowledge
In 2005 BRCA became part of my families’ vocabulary. Thankfully.
I didn’t understand what it meant so I ignored it. In 2006 we learned that my Mum had this gene and also ovarian cancer. I became a little more interested. But I searched for information and couldn’t find any so ignored it again. Mum’s cancer didn’t go away, in fact it spread. Watching Mum go through chemo was increasing my interest in finding out more about this gene. I didn’t know where to start. In the end my sister booked us in to see a Genetic Specialist. Three months later I found out I was BRCA positive. Cool, now what? I struggled to find relevant information that helped me understand my options and learn more about the advancements that were being made in relation to screening, preventing and / or treating this cancer. I was lucky enough to receive a scholarship through the FORCE foundation and funding from the Lotteries Commission to attend a conference in Orlando, United States covering everything imaginable relating to BRCA. It was incredible and empowering. I came home wanting all New Zealanders to have access to this information; feel supported in their own country and have a local ‘place to go’, hence the creation of The Gift of Knowledge.
I have named it The Gift of Knowledge because that is how I see it. Had I not been given this information I would not have the choices I have today.
Our name and logo
The name The Gift of Knowledge came about when I was trying to describe how I felt about testing positive. Having this knowledge is a gift. The outline of the gift box, represents a strand of DNA. The grey writing represents ovarian cancer and the pink writing, breast cancer.
Meet others who are involved
Coming soon…but in the meantime a huge thanks to:
- GlassTower Communications, for creative ideas and motivation
- Matt at Webnetwork, who was tremendous in helping me create this website within two weeks and responds to all of our requests so quickly
- Everyone of you who email me with encouraging words
Our experts
Coming soon…we would like to thank Dr Caroline Lintott, Senior Genetic Associate, who helped us with our genetics information.
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