Our journey to 500 Brain Boxes
Today, we want to take a moment to reflect on an extraordinary journey that has led us to a significant milestone: the distribution of our 500th Brain Box. As we mark this milestone, we are filled with profound gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that from humble beginnings Brain Tumour Support NZ has grown into a source of hope and support for those affected by brain tumours in Aotearoa.
Our first ever Brain Box was delivered to a patient in Whanganui in June 2020 and our 500th was delivered to a young woman in Tauranga on the 1st May 2023. They've been sent as far as Kaitaia in the north to Invercargill in the south, and everywhere in between! Each Brain Box has been carefully assembled with love and hope by our team of hard working volunteers. The messages of gratitude and encouragement which we have received in return reinforces our belief in the power of community and compassion.
The Brain Tumour Support NZ story began with a simple vision - to provide a beacon of hope and tangible assistance to individuals facing the immense challenges of brain tumours. Armed with determination and the support of our community, we embarked on this endeavor, not knowing the full extent of the impact we would make. In the early days, our efforts were met with both excitement and trepidation. We worked tirelessly to understand the unique needs of patients, caregivers and whānau whilst also consulting medical professionals, to produce our first set of Patient Guides.
The initial Brain Box programme began with a grant from the Rata Foundation to provide care and information packages to brain tumour patients in the top half of the South Island. From that humble beginning, our initiative gained momentum. Through the unwavering support of our community we were able to expand our reach, providing Brain Boxes to more families in need around the motu. Our team sought partnerships and collaborations with NZ businesses, securing items to include in the boxes, ensuring that each one offered a comprehensive toolkit for support and empowerment.
With every milestone reached - from the 100th to the 250th, and now the 500th Brain Box - we have witnessed the transformative effect of our collective efforts. These care packages have become symbols of hope and resilience, reminders that no one battling a brain tumour should ever feel alone. They offer a lifeline of information, comfort, and hope, igniting the courage to face each day with renewed determination.
Our journey to this significant milestone would not have been possible without the immense generosity and unwavering support of the New Zealand brain tumour community. From the selfless contributions of volunteers to the impactful donations from individuals and organisations, each gesture has played an integral role in the realisation of our mission. Your belief in our cause and your commitment to improving the lives of those affected by brain tumours have made this achievement possible.
As we celebrate the distribution of our 500th Brain Box, we honour every recipient who has been touched by our programme. Their strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit have inspired us every step of the way. It is their stories of hope that fuel our passion to continue making a difference and to strive for a future where brain tumours no longer have such devastating effects.