Deb’s story: raising funds, awareness and confidence, one Towelie at a time.
A friend’s journey with mastectomy was Deb’s motivation for a unique initiative to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. When Deb’s close friend Di underwent a mastectomy, it profoundly changed her life.
Having opted not to undergo reconstructive surgery, Di was left with one breast. For a long time, she didn’t feel comfortable joining in the water activities she once loved. That all shifted when Di discovered the Towelie, a hooded towel that doubles as a portable changing room, offering privacy and discretion. Suddenly, she had the freedom to swim again, reclaiming joy in the water.
Inspired by Di, Deb, founder of STOKEDNZ, launched the “Show Us Your Tits” campaign in 2024. She invited people from across Aotearoa to send in drawings of their breasts—many poignantly depicting scars from breast cancer surgery—to create a limited-edition Towelie design. This wasn’t just about art; it was about empowerment, turning personal stories of resilience into a visual representation of breast cancer awareness and empowerment.
The community response was overwhelming. In its first year, the campaign sparked three rounds of pre-orders, far exceeding expectations—Deb admits they didn’t know if they’d sell 10 or 10,000! In total, 529 Towelies, 320 towels, and 471 hair wraps flew off the shelves, raising vital funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ while spreading awareness about breast health and the realities of life after surgery.
For Deb, this initiative is deeply personal. “Show Us Your Tits celebrates bodies in all their forms, scars and all. Almost all of us know someone who’s been affected by breast cancer and my hope is when people are out using their Towelie at the beach it will spark conversations with others and raise awareness, one Towelie at a time.”
STOKEDNZ’s amazing commitment raised $39,000. Thanks to passionate supporters and community fundraisers like Deb, initiatives like “Show Us Your Tits” are turning personal challenges into collective triumphs, funding essential research, awareness, and support for families across Aotearoa.
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