Senior Foodstuffs executive Baden Ngan Kee is on a mission to help New Zealand’s lung cancer patients receive more effective funded treatments – and is calling on the public to support the cause through the John West 12km Traverse.
As father-of-three Baden discovered two years ago, lung cancer doesn’t discriminate. Despite exercising five days a week, eating well and never smoking a day in his life, he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
A media release issued on his behalf says Baden’s ensuing battle to extend his life through drugs not funded by Pharmac opened his eyes to the current inequalities that exist in funding for New Zealand’s lung cancer patients – despite the fact lung cancer is the country’s biggest cancer killer.
So he’s decided to do something about it.
Baden is now working with the Lung Foundation to change people’s perceptions of the disease as being one that only affects smokers, as well as help with the organisation’s lobbying for changes to drug funding.
“I strongly believe easier access to effective drugs will change other cancer patients’ lives,” Baden says in the media release.
“This is why I’m dedicating my time to raising funds and awareness for the Lung Foundation’s lobbying around this issue.”
As part of those efforts, a Team Baden fundraising page has been created through the John West 12km Traverse at this year’s Auckland Marathon – and members of the public are invited to join the team.
Julian Ng, Simplot Group brand manager says the company’s staff are ready to pull on their sneakers and run with Team Baden at the 12km Traverse.
“We really admire the work Baden is doing with the Lung Foundation and we’re encouraging others to join us in supporting this very important cause,” Ng says.
“Given the shorter distance of this event, you don’t need to be an elite athlete to enter, and you’ll have fun while you get fit and raise vital funds for the Lung Foundation’s work.”
Those who would like to support Team Baden and the Lung Foundation can do so in several ways:
- Rally up your colleagues: Get involved by registering as a team for the John West 12km Traverse (or any other event at the Auckland Marathon). You can then set up an Everydayhero fundraising page to join Team Baden in raising money for the Lung Foundation.
- Take part individually: You can also register for the John West 12km Traverse individually and create your own Everydayhero fundraising page to contribute vital funds for ‘Team Baden’ and the Lung Foundation.
- Support Team Baden: If taking part in the John West 12km Traverse isn’t an option, you can donate directly to the Team Baden fundraising page.
All funds raised for Team Baden will go towards the Lung Foundation’s lobbying for improved access to potentially life-saving drugs for Kiwi lung cancer patients.
