March 24, 2005
In step for Lexi's appeal
Taking their cue from three-year-old Lexi Primrose, staff at all the Professionals offices throughout Auckland and
Northland are stepping out to raise money for the annual Child Cancer Foundation Appeal next month.
Lexi is the 'face' of the national Child Cancer Foundation Appeal on April 11-17. A healthy, bubbly youngster who loves
dancing, Lexi is ready to face her public after 10 months of chemotherapy, stem cell therapy, surgery and a year of
recovery.
She will appear on television and in print advertising and is asking for the public's help to raise the funds necessary
to support all children with cancer and their families.
Lexi was diagnosed in March 2003 - when she was just 21 months old - with a massive thoracic germ cell tumour which
overwhelmed her chest, pushing her organs to one side and collapsing a lung. She underwent two traumatic cycles of
chemotherapy, hair loss, severe illness and stem cell infusion but a stubborn mass of tumour was still wrapped around
her vital organs. This was successfully removed during day-long surgery at Starship Children's Hospital in January last
year and she was able to return home within days to begin her recovery.
The Child Cancer Foundation relies heavily on sponsorship and the goodness of the public as it receives no government
funding. Lexi's story shows such support can make a big difference - and the little girl and her family are happy to
spread the message.
The Professionals Regional Chairman for Auckland/Northland, Gary Murphy says the real estate group is proud to be
associated with Lexi's Appeal and have been major supporters of the Child Cancer Foundation since 1995, raising more
than $1.8 million.
"These funds have gone towards the purchase of two Family Places in Auckland and Wellington, the purchase and
maintenance of two Sunshine Lodge holiday homes in Taupo and Queenstown and the recent purchase of a National Centre in
Auckland, which also houses CanTeen, a specialist division of the organisation," says Mr Murphy.
Offices throughout Auckland and Northland have come up with a variety of interesting fundraising events and approaches
which involve their local communities.
The Professionals Albany Real Estate's Greenhithe branch is teaming up with the Greenhithe Fire Service on April 16 to
gather donations in their local community. A bright red fire appliance and the occasional blast of the siren will alert
residents to appeal passing near their street.
Branch manager Jill Brown says the eight staff from The Professionals office and their families along with volunteers
from the fire service will distribute jelly beans and Child Cancer Foundation candles as their donation buckets fill.
The Professionals Albany Real Estate principal Havard Daniels says: "The Child Cancer Foundation is a great support
network for children and families in need. It's such a tremendous cause - we're more than happy to support the appeal".
The Professionals in Whangarei - Glenbarry Real Estate - will also be out on the streets doing their best for Child
Cancer Foundation.
General Manager Judy Burch says locals can expect to see 35 staff in their distinctive Professionals red jackets
collecting on the streets in Whangarei's CBD and in suburbs on the outskirts of the city such as Kamo and Kensington.
"At the Professionals we all really believe it is our role to give back to the communities in which we work. Collecting
for the Child Cancer Foundation Appeal is one of the ways we can do that - we will all be out there collecting with a
lot of love in our hearts for the children and families who will benefit from our contribution."
All branches will be involved in fund-raising during Child Cancer Foundation Appeal on April 11-17, and numerous
activities are planned. The Professionals are proud to join Lexi in her dance to celebrate life and ask the public to
donate generously to this very worthy cause.
For further information, please phone the Professionals Regional Chairman for Auckland/Northland, Gary Murphy, on 09 298
0980 or email garym@propertylink.co.nz
ENDS