At its annual general meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation re- elected Jaewynn McKay as its president, and selected its board members.

Former long-serving president, Dawn Baudinet was elected as the patron, Vice-President is Julia Evans, Secretary remains Myra Atakura, Treasurer - Kelly Bullivant, and Committee Members: Lysia Stringer, Frances Little, and Mata Maata.

McKay said they are proud of what they have achieved over the years and acknowledged many that have walked alongside them in their journey of fighting breast cancer in the Cook Islands.

"Last year was an incredibly rewarding one for the Foundation — from community fundraisers to our Ribbons of Hope Ball, we saw people come together in support of early detection and better outcomes for our māmā, sisters, and daughters,” she said.

Going forward, she acknowledged this year to be a milestone year with the return of the full breast screening programme which will commence mid this year.

“Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be a milestone year. We’re absolutely thrilled to have confirmation that a full breast screening programme will return to the Cook Islands — the first in several year,” she said.

“The Foundation stands ready to support Te Marae Ora in every way we can, both in the lead-up to the screening rollout and during the programme itself. Ensuring that every eligible woman is informed, encouraged, and supported to attend will be our top priority.

“Together, we can continue to make a real difference in the lives of Cook Islands women and their families - one mammogram at a time.”

More than 20 members of the organisation participated in the AGM where reports and updates of previous years were presented.