Ten years ago, Lucas Haagensen’s grandmother died of breast cancer. A hard blow for a young boy. Now he and his family want to help others in the same situation. – We want to honor her memory, and hope that the collection through the Pink Ribbon campaign can help someone who is in the same situation as we were in 2013, says the 22-year-old. Sissel Aakervik died of breast cancer in 2013. She was 59 years old. Photo: Privat Great response During a few hectic weeks, Lucas, family and friends in Flatanger have managed to collect almost NOK 300,000 for the cancer cause. In a municipality with around 1,100 inhabitants. – The response has been absolutely enormous since we started on 6 September, he says. They have made pink posters, ribbons and spray-painted round balls in the village to draw attention to the cancer issue. Both private individuals and the business community have contributed a lot of money. Lucas still remembers his grandmother Sissel Aakervik well. – She was caring and saw everyone around her. I think most people who had a relationship with her, and got to experience her warmth and care, would say that she was absolutely wonderful. Unfortunately, she had to leave us far too soon, he says ten years later. Uncle Kim Aakervik thinks the mother would have greatly appreciated the campaign in Flatanger. – I think she would think this was a good thing. And I think she would appreciate the work we have put in. She was a hard worker herself, and in that sense I think she smiles broadly at what we have achieved, says Aakervik. Lucas Haagensen (right) with good supporters in Kim Aakervik, Gry Hanssen and Connie Aakervik in Flatanger. In addition, Camilla Aakervik, Ylva Haagensen and Didrik Lein have also contributed to the campaign. Photo: Espen Sandmo / news The money from the Pink Ribbon campaign contributes to vital research, and the Breast Cancer Society and the Norwegian Cancer Society collaborate on the campaign, which has contributed over NOK 415 million to the breast cancer cause. According to the Norwegian Cancer Society, over 300 women who survive breast cancer this year would probably have lost their lives 20 years ago. The association believes this is due to increased use of mammography, more precise diagnoses and better treatment. – This is a success story that really shows how research saves and improves lives, says secretary general Ingrid Stenstadvold Ross of the Cancer Society. Figures from the two associations show that one in ten Norwegian women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, but nine out of ten now survive the disease. Of the approximately 4,000 affected each year, around 150 are diagnosed with spread at the time of diagnosis. More than 600 die from breast cancer in Norway every year. Best in the country Petter Spolén is a marketing adviser at the Cancer Association, and is very happy about local campaigns like the one in Flatanger. – We cannot fully praise what Lucas and his gang in Flatanger are doing for the breast cancer cause. They have really cracked the code for creating local engagement. – With good planning, great commitment and tremendous execution power, they have created the largest private digital collection for the Pink Ribbon so far. It is absolutely fantastic, he says to news. Petter Spolén in the cancer association is impressed by the efforts of Lucas Haagensen and the others in the Flatanger action. Photo: Bent Lindsetmo/news Through 25 years of the campaign, breast cancer sufferers and their supporters have collected NOK 415 million for research. – This commitment also gives great hope for the future, because we still need more knowledge. It is wonderful that the chances of surviving breast cancer are constantly improving. At the same time, we must remember that many who become cancer-free do not necessarily become healthy. More research will contribute to those affected living longer and with a better quality of life, says Petter Spolén. This year, the cancer association hopes to bring in NOK 41 million. About the same as in 2022. Hoping for NOK 400,000 In Flatanger, the collection will continue until the month of October. The goal is to collect NOK 400,000 for cancer research. – It is very difficult to see someone you love in pain. It’s a huge strain on everyone around. The others who are part of our campaign confirm that it was a tough time when grandma died. Only ten years later can we talk about it publicly, and organize such a large campaign, says Lucas Haagensen. In Flatanger, they use round balls to draw attention to the local fundraising campaign for the cancer cause. Photo: Espen Sandmo / news
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Lucas (22) from Flatanger wants to honor his grandmother – has collected a large amount for the Pink Ribbon campaign – news Trøndelag – Local news, TV and radio
