Kylie has battled the bone cancer osteosarcoma, and at 20 years of age now has a healthy outlook on life. When asked about Jump Start, Kylie said:

When I was first diagnosed with cancer I thought ‘why me?’ but now I look back and realise that having cancer has been a positive thing because I’ve learnt a lot about myself, friends and family. And taking part in Jump Start will push me out of my comfort zone once again, but in a much more exhilarating but probably just as terrifying way! I’m kind of freaking out, but I know it will be the most amazing feeling to have confronted that fear. Bring it on!!”

CanTeen members are cancer patients, siblings or bereaved siblings who have all dealt with the massive impact cancer has on lives. While CanTeen does provide its members with a number of activities to help challenge and develop them, something like a skydive would prove too cost prohibitive for us to do. So thanks to all the NZPF members and RNZAF for making Jump Start happen– you guys are awesome and just don’t realize the difference you will make in our members lives!

Lindsay has made the most of PK so far and is currently at the 3 month stage of mentoring. She says about Jump Start:

Project K has been the greatest opportunity of my life that I took with both hands and used everywhere I could. The wilderness, community and mentoring are great steps to achieving my wildest dreams; but not my most wildest. Skydiving is the most outragous, stupid and scary thing I can think of, thats why I want to do it. Jumping out of a plane would be my greatest challenge yet. Yes it will be tough but if I have learnt anything from Project K it would be to give everything a try and never let your fears get in the way of reaching what you desire!

As you know, Project K is a youth development programme designed to inspire 14 – 15-year-olds to reach their potential through building self-confidence, promoting good health and education and teaching life skills such as goal setting and teamwork. This opportunity that Jump Start has offered to 25 of our students allows them to achieve far more than they dreamed possible.

So a big thank you to Jump Start and NZPF for your commitment, time and dedication given to this event. An opportunity such as this is special, and we greatly appreciate all you are giving.

Thank you, from all at Project K