Kia ora  

Welcome to our July edition of the Link and Mānawatia a Matariki. With Daffodil Day just around the corner we would like to share with you Chrissy's cancer story and how the Cancer Society supported Chrissy through her cancer journey. 

From Gardener to Fighter: Chrissy's Journey with Breast Cancer  

Once an avid gardener, finding solace in nurturing plants and maintaining our lawn, Chrissy's life turned unexpectedly when she discovered a lump in her right breast. Initially dismissing it, hoping it would fade away, the growing prominence forced Chrissy to seek medical attention. Her GP swiftly referred her to Mr Samson, a breast cancer specialist at Kew Hospital, who would become her surgeon and a cherished friend along with Aynsley from the Cancer Society.  

Chrissy would like to share her story to help others impacted by cancer and to promote the valuable support the Cancer Society offers in our community.  

"In a whirlwind of medical appointments, I underwent a series of tests, including a mammogram and ultrasound, only to receive the devastating diagnosis: aggressive breast cancer. With my husband Russell and our daughter Kerry by my side, I embarked on a challenging journey.  

As I prepared for surgery scheduled in December 2021, I made a point to plant my beloved vegetables, ensuring they thrived in the garden until my return. I knew reconnecting with my garden would be vital for my physical and mental well-being.  

During this challenging time, I was introduced to the Cancer Society's Aynsley Dermody, who brought valuable information and sincere support to my doorstep. Generous volunteers had crafted thoughtful gifts—a carry bag, a cosy blanket, freshly baked treats, and knitted knockers—all intended to bring comfort to cancer patients like me. The kindness of strangers overwhelmed me. 

Aynsley continued to visit, offering guidance and discussing the upcoming treatments on my journey. Once I had healed, chemotherapy commenced at Southland Hospital, comprising six gruelling sessions. The side effects were harsh, causing my hair to fall out after the initial treatment, and the chemotherapy left me feeling sick.  

After completing the last chemotherapy session, I noticed my fingernails had softened, and my fingertips turned an unsettling shade of black. The battle, however, was far from over. Radiation therapy followed, and once again, the Cancer Society proved to be an unwavering pillar of support. 

Aynsley organised three-week accommodation at Daffodil House in Dunedin and arranged transportation through the St. Johns Shuttle. The compassion and camaraderie among the staff and fellow patients at Daffodil House were immeasurable. Angelique, the Daffodil House manager demonstrated remarkable kindness and professionalism.  

The next phase of my journey involved regular bone infusions, a necessary albeit painful measure to strengthen my bones and prevent fractures. Throughout this process, the Cancer Society has remained a constant source of support.  

I have become an active participant in the monthly Gore Support Group, attended the Canbead Workshop, and engaged in the Kiaora-E te iwi Huis at Te Whare Tautoko Tomairangi Marae and the Hokonui Rununga, organised by the Cancer Society. These events have provided me with valuable knowledge and connections with others affected by cancer. 

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the wonderful people who have been part of my journey and to Aynsley and the Cancer Society for walking alongside me during this difficult time. Today, I am back doing what I love—gardening and mowing lawns—with renewed strength and appreciation for life's simple joys. I didn't choose cancer, it chose me". 

Daffodil Day symbolises hope for Chrissy and all New Zealanders impacted by cancer. 

More New Zealanders will get cancer this year than ever before. Give today so no one should face cancer alone.  

Donations can be made at daffodilday.org.nz – please give generously this year.  

Pre-order fresh daffodils for your workplace or school today!

Every daffodil touches the lives of individuals and families, reminding them that they are not alone in their journey.

Your contribution will help us provide vital research, resources, and care to those facing the challenges of cancer in Otago and Southland. 

Orders close Friday, 4th August and will be delivered the week of 21st August, in time for Daffodil Day on Friday, 25th August.

The session provided a safe space to learn and share information about cancer. There were 35 attendees. We were very grateful and fortunate to have the following presenters:

We have received fantastic feedback from our whānau who attended. We are looking at having more of Kia ora-E te Iwi events in the future. Ārahi Māori Women's Welfare League kindly supported us with this event as did our wonderful Cancer Society volunteers. A big mihi to all who supported this important kaupapa but mostly to our whānau who gave up their time to attend.

Our local Dunedin superstar Hayley along with her friends Ella and Olive not only achieved their fundraising goals AND jumped, but also made this amazing video for us all to share in their experience! 

We just wanted to take a moment to give a shoutout to the 26 incredible individuals who participated in Jump For Cancer and raised over $1,000 each for the Cancer Society of Otago and Southland.

Your generosity and commitment to supporting cancer care and prevention in our community is truly inspiring! Together, you all raised an outstanding $35,920.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to making a difference. Your efforts are deeply appreciated and will make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by cancer in our region.

Our gratitude also goes out to Skydive Wanaka and NZone Queenstown for partnering with us again this year 🪂 You have enriched the lives of our participants and the many families in our region who are affected by cancer.

Cancer Society volunteer-turned-fundraiser Hayley enjoying her thrilling jump with NZone Queenstown last month

We know that getting a cancer diagnosis can be tough for you and your loved ones. It's a challenging road that requires not just medical attention but also emotional support. That's why we're here to support you every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery.

We also understand that sometimes, the best support comes from those who have been there before. That's why we invite you to join our local support group.

It's a friendly and confidential space where you can share your thoughts and feelings with others who understand what you're going through. From talking about tough treatment days to celebrating small wins, we're here to listen and offer comfort.

So come along for a casual chat and a cuppa with your peers, and let us help you navigate this journey.

Patchwork groups in Alexandra, Cromwell and Queenstown craft unique quilts for Cancer Society Cancer Patients and their whānau. 

Our Supportive Care Coordinators distribute these beautiful creations to every new client to offer them physical comfort during their cancer journey.  These precious gifts are also a symbol for patients that they are not alone in their struggle and that the community cares about them. 

Quilting has a long history that dates back centuries and is recorded in many cultures.  In modern times quilts remain functional for warmth and comfort but are also a symbol of stability and family. 

Patients and whānau value these gifts, especially during periods of treatment where they help to transform an institutional space into a feeling of home. 

Below we see some of the creations made with love by the Cromwell Patchwork Group.  Thank you to the whole quilting community for the remarkable work they do, and the comfort they bring. 

Enrique Martin from Dunedin chopped his mop earlier in June, and raised a fantastic $151 – thank you Enrique!

Holly and the Waitane Young Farmers group held a Car Rally fundraiser this June. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this successful fundraiser to support people affected by cancer in their community of Gore.

Thank you to Noelene Johnson who raised an amazing $597 from a morning tea fundraiser. Thank your for supporting your community!

A huge thank you to Joel Rowe for raising an incredible $786 from chopping his mop to support people affected by cancer in Dunedin. Joel, you are star!

Jenny and Lynette held a second-hand clothing fundraiser at an ANZ branch in Dunedin; they kindly donated the proceeds of $760 to the Cancer Society. Thank you both for your kindness and generosity.

Thank you to Pauline Mitchell, our Volunteer Area Coordinator, for organising a successful Quiz fundraiser in Winton recently. The community really came together and raised a phenomenal $1,629! (Pictured)

You can fundraise in your own unique way. Get involved at youcanforcancer.org.nz

The Cancer Society is delighted to announce that Naylor Love has committed to becoming the naming sponsor for the highly anticipated 2023 Dunedin spring ball. 

Grant Sime, regional director of Naylor Love Dunedin, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, "We are honoured to be part of a significant event that brings the community together to positively impact the lives of individuals and families affected by cancer."

We would like to thank our Gold Partners Marsh Family Trust, Anderson Lloyd, Bayleys Metro Realty, Deloitte, Mercy Hospital, Antidote and our Silver Partner Tradestaff.

The Naylor Love Cancer Society Spring Ball, a prestigious annual event, promises to be an unforgettable night, offering guests a captivating experience filled with entertainment, fine dining, and opportunities to contribute to an important cause.

Tickets are $2,800 for a table of 10 (incl GST). Email info@cansoc.org.nz to purchase a table.

presented by Naylor Love and Hugo Charitable Trust ✨ Your purchase of event tickets and auction prizes will truly make a difference in the lives of people and their loved ones who are affected by cancer in the Queenstown Lakes District.

We would like to thank our Gold Partners Mitre 10 Mega Queenstown, Ground Anchor Systems Ltd, Millenium,  our Silver Partner RHE Mechanical and our Bronze Partner Hansons Auto.

Your all-inclusive ticket for $210 per person or $2,100 per table includes a delightful evening filled with canapés upon arrival, a gorgeous three-course meal along with beverages, exciting live and silent auctions, and an outstanding live band to dance the night away 🎸

Reserve your table for 10 or buy individual tickets before they sell out!

By joining the Hope For Life programme, your monthly donations will help Otago and Southland provide free in-home healthcare support, transportation to treatment, and accommodation in Dunedin for those living far from medical support.

Plus, our partners at the University of Otago are making advances toward life-extending and life-saving cancer research every day.

Cancer Society relies on community funding, so we depend entirely on the generosity of supporters like you to provide crucial help to cancer patients and families.

Together, we can create a tomorrow with less cancer.

Our local Health Promoter Jamie Seymour spoke at the QLDC Alcohol Restrictions Bylaw hearing last month. 

Alongside the police, Te Whatu Ora, Hospitality New Zealand, and Red Frogs the Cancer Society called on Council to implement a complete ban on public drinking in central Queenstown and Wānaka to give the best chance of minimising alcohol-related harm across the district. You can read more about the hearing here.

QLDC will be voting to adopt changes to both the Alcohol Restrictions Bylaw and the Activities in Public Spaces Bylaw in mid-August. 

Jamie also spoke to QLDC at the Activities in Public Spaces Bylaw hearing about progressing their Smokefree/Vapefree policy.  Council has agreed to look at drafting an initial Smokefree/Vapefree Policy for adoption later next year.

We measured UV levels at Dunedin's Marlow Park, "The Dinosaur Park" and St Kilda beach

In June, the DCC Parks and Recreation Services team came to the Cancer Society to discuss our unique UV environment and the importance of providing shade for skin cancer prevention in public spaces.

It was great to host the DCC team and learn how we can work together to maximise shade from trees and improve built shade for people to slip into from September through to the end of March.

We focused our attention on shade in play spaces for tamariki. Many of the smaller parks in Dunedin have been upgraded and eventually Marlow Park will be too. With advanced planning, we hope some shade will be provided, as the park receives very high levels of UV during peak times (see photo).

As a mum of three enjoying time at the Dinosaur Park this summer said, "There is plenty of stuff that mums need to bring with us without having to bring our own shade!"

Occupational Diseases under ACC  The Central Government is considering adding to the list of occupational diseases under the ACC scheme. 

Cancer Society has written to Government in support of skin cancer being added to the schedule for outdoor workers and has provided the evidence. 

Should this change be included, it would benefit future outdoor workers who can prove that their sun exposure while working contributed to their skin cancer, as it would allow for their treatment to be covered under the scheme. 

We know it is getting harder and more expensive to treat skin cancer, which remains the most common cancer in Aotearoa.

Living with cancer can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, for people with cancer and whānau.

If you would like to talk with someone about what support is available in your community, call our Cancer Information Helpline 0800 CANCER (226237) to speak with one of our health professionals.