A cause close to the hearts of fundraisers

Nemo's Kai owners Shane and Karen Putan with their friend Shona McCulloch

WHAT: Pink Ribbon Day fundraising event
WHERE: Nemo's Kai, the Waterfront
WHEN: 10am-4pm
Live music entertainment, Tauranga Samba demonstration, kids fun rides, bouncy castle, food and drink. Ph 021 0600 102.

Cancer is all too familiar for the owners of Nemo's Kai on The Strand in Tauranga.

Shane and Karen Putan have just come through Shane's three-year battle with testicular cancer, while Karen's mother was also battling breast cancer.

Their close friend, Shona McCulloch, who often helps out at the shop, has also watched her sister go through breast cancer, twice.

So when they came across the opportunity to support Pink Ribbon Day for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation, there were no second thoughts.

They have organised a fundraiser on Tauranga's Waterfront today with live music entertainment, Tauranga Samba demonstration from 1pm to 3pm and kids fun rides.

They have all dressed in pink and are selling pink baking and icecream.

Ms McCulloch said it was a cause close to all of their hearts.

"It's touched all of us so that's why we're doing it."

Her sister survived two rounds of breast cancer, but could not make it to the fundraiser today as she was looking after children.

"She knows we're doing it and I told her 'we'll be thinking of you today Rosenna'".

As well as raising funds for the foundation, Mrs Putan said they were wanting to raise awareness and remind people to get checked regularly.

"Every little bit helps a life."

She said since her mother was diagnosed she had often been getting checked.

Ms McCulloch said once one family member was diagnised, there was a higher risk for other family members so she had also been getting regular mammograms.

"I've got the all clear for now. I always say 'for now' because you never know."

Mr Putan said although it was a fundraiser for women, the message and awareness was just as important for men for testicular cancer.

"It's a shock to everyone. Men need to go in and get a yearly check as well."

The fundraiser runs until 4pm today.