Many people would be thrilled at the prospect of going skydiving. But Ellyn Proffit, who will skydive in Tauranga today – if the weather plays ball – is terrified!

'I've jumped out of a plane once before, many years ago, and swore I'd never do it again. But here I am, giving it another go,” says Ellyn. 'This time, I'm doing it for my bosses.”

‘Bosses' is the name Ellyn has affectionately named the patients in her care. She is a clinical nurse specialist with Te Whatu Ora and looks after 12-24-year-olds in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes and Tairawhiti regions who have a cancer diagnosis.

On average, every year about 40 young people diagnosed with cancer in these regions, and Ellyn ensures they have support and information they need to navigate their diagnosis.

Today, Ellen and Cancer Society Waikato/BOP chief executive officer Helen Carter will skydive in Jump for Cancer, a fundraising initiative for the Waikato/BOP branch of the Cancer Society.

All money raised will help the Cancer Society provide free, practical support services to people currently fighting cancer, including transport to and from treatment, accommodation close to the hospital, community nursing, meals and more.

Ellyn is frank when she talks about the necessity of the Cancer Society, which supports patients in the far reaches of the Waikato/BOP region, including Coromandel, King Country, Rotorua, Taupo, Thames, Turangi and Gisborne/Tairawhiti.

'Without the awhi (care) and tautoko (support) of the Cancer Society, many of my patients, my bosses, wouldn't be alive today,” says Ellyn.

Helen says the BOP region in particular needs more wraparound services to support cancer patients. 'We've chosen to skydive in Tauranga to stand alongside those fighting cancer and to highlight the incredible need for more cancer support services in the region,” says Helen.

'We know cancer patients' wellbeing drastically improves when patients feel supported, whether that's through practical measures such as transport to and from treatment or accommodation, or just by being able to talk to someone about what they're going through.

'We have a big, lofty goal to build a lodge near Tauranga Hospital so patients across BOP can experience the warmth and support of having a home away from home during treatment, and we need the community's help.

'Please donate to Jump for Cancer so together we can make sure no one goes through cancer alone.”

To find out more and to donate, visit: www.jumpforcancer.org.nz