As CanTeen staff, members and volunteers gear up to their annual national appeal, Bay of Plenty Youth Worker Kate Rive says she hopes the Tauranga community can get behind the initiative to help young people experiencing cancer here in the Bay.

"Using our well-recognised bandanna, the campaign this year invites people to ‘Show their Gratitude Attitude' by writing the name of someone they value on the bandanna to show them how they feel," says Kate.

"Here in the Bay, we have just short of 100 registered members. I could tell many stories for each of the eight words featured on the bandanna: Love, courage, acceptance, connection, inspiration, resilience, strength and hope."

For example, Kiwi-born Freddy Von Boven, aged 21, has demonstrated strength of character well beyond his years.

"Freddy completed studies in the UK in Outdoor Adventurous Sports Instructing, returning to New Zealand aged 19, as it was obvious to him there were better employment opportunities for this passion in the country of his birth," Kate tells.

"Just six weeks later he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. After months of treatment, including the addition of a titanium prosthetic from his mid thigh to mid calf and many rounds of chemotherapy, a time he describes as a ‘numb hell' he now has plans for a new career and plays an active part in supporting other young people in their cancer journey."

Clear of treatment, Freddy is due to start studies at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic next year. He is actively involved in CanTeen, on the branch committee and taking on a number of leadership roles including helping support newer members to the organisation.

"I don't think people realise the impact CanTeen has to the young people it supports," he says.

"I find it hard to explain – their support is huge, during hospital stays, ongoing treatments and beyond as you adjust to your new ‘normal'. In my case it was my only support beyond immediate family members as I hadn't been back in NZ long enough to know anybody else.

"Even if I put back into the organisation for as long as I could, I feel that I could never repay the support they gave me."

Support CanTeen this month by purchasing a limited edition bandanna, donating at one of the many collection points you will see around town and supporting Kate's initiative to Paint the town Red by organising gold coin donations to wear something red on Friday September 18.

Donations can be made to CanTeen Tauranga, ASB 12-3237-0016135-00 or via canteen.org.nz