Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday 30 October
Sweet Louise Services now available for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients
Following 12 months of preparation, the Louise Perkins Foundation has launched its Sweet Louise Services to metastatic
breast cancer patients in the Auckland area.
Sweet Louise aims to improve the wellbeing of women with breast cancer.
The Louise Perkins Foundation has entered into partnerships with over 40 carefully selected organisations and therapists
who are providing Sweet Louise services, free of charge, to eligible patients. The costs of the services are being met
by the Louise Perkins Foundation.
Sweet Louise members receive an annual allocation of vouchers (in two six-month amounts) and can choose which of the
Sweet Louise services they wish to select. The system has been designed to be totally flexible to enable each woman to
meet her specific needs. Sweet Louise Support Co-ordinators are available to provide advice and support if required.
Executive Director of the Foundation Jennifer Clark is excited that the day has arrived and women with metastatic breast
cancer can now access Sweet Louise services. “As a breast cancer patient myself, I know the incredible value of these
services in improving patient wellbeing. The research community is focussing increasingly on the benefits of strategies
that improve quality of life. Our services are complementary to conventional medical treatment and have been carefully
selected to deliver the best possible experience for our members.”
Foundation Chairman Scott Perkins adds: “Sweet Louise is a friend to women who need a helping hand. We are doing
something unique and innovative. We hope to become a trusted source of information and experiences that help women
achieve the best quality of life as they live with their cancer.”
Sweet Louise services are offered in the following key areas:
Sweet Louise Helpers (practical help, including child care, gardening and lawn mowing, handyman services, personal home
care, home cleaning services);
Sweet Louise Mind (strategies that may improve emotional wellbeing, including art therapy, counselling, positive mind
techniques);
Sweet Louise Body (strategies that may improve physical wellbeing, including exercise, diet, beauty, massage, Reiki).
All metastatic breast cancer patients in the Auckland region are eligible for Sweet Louise services. Metastatic breast
cancer is cancer that has recurred and spread since initial diagnosis. Patients can get registration forms from their
oncologist or GP, register online at www.sweetlouise.co.nz or phone 0800 11 22 77 to have a registration form posted
out.
ENDS