How has your life been affected by breast cancer?
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this month it is such a great honor to have three women I know and love share their stories of surviving breast cancer. As October wraps up today’s blog is dedicated to the women who fought a great fight and although not here with us today, we remember your courage and bravery.
These women took time out of their busy schedules to join me for a conversation about their breast cancer journey. They all come from very different backgrounds, with very different experiences of breast cancer and all three are doing their part in society to bring about more awareness to this treatable disease when detected early enough.
First up is Anne Thorp our very own Māori Queen of Cuisine and star of TV show Kai Ora. Anne shares a very personal account of her role as chief cook in her whanau (family) from the sprightly age of 9. Moving into her story as a breast cancer survivor and now a breast cancer ambassador. Anne will surprise and delight in every way. I love her for her vulnerability, manaakitanga and young spirit and mind. For more information about Anne’s work go to www.annethorp.co.nz and WATCH her interview HERE.
It was a pleasure to also interview my friend Jess Weller who is a survivor of a rare form of breast cancer. As the founder of The WELLer Network she has visited schools having conversations with 100’s of young people about healthy boobs. Jess is passionate to work with corporates and public sectors to take her message nationally and globally. Contact her at jess@thewellernetwork.com. You can WATCH her interview HERE.
And last but certainly not least I took time out on Labour Day (also my wedding anniversary) to interview my aunty Yvonne Kahira Marshall. My aunty inspires me because she is not only a survivor of Breast Cancer she is also a survivor of stomach cancer which both hit her at the same time. And today she stands before us as a positive, new woman with a new lease on life. WATCH her interview HERE.
To those of you going through your own challenges with breast cancer, or maybe you are supporting others through their journey, if you are a survivor today, or thinking of those courageous women who fought to the end, your strength is our inspiration! we RISE together!
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