There isn't a week that goes by that I don't hear of somebody whose life has been affected by cancer. This was never more apparent for me than 5-years ago when my Dad was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour.
In the 8-months from his diagnosis till when he sadly passed away, he battled like a true gentleman, undergoing two operations in Wellington and weeks of radiation in Palmerston North. He had already survived through prostate cancer two years earlier and during this time, he underwent 12-weeks of radiation treatment in Palmerston North. As he had his own business he worked full time and travelled twice weekly for his treatments. The Cancer Society were fantastic in that they reimbursed Dad petrol money for these recurrent trips.
They were also such a support to my Mum while Dad was in the terminal stage, offering support and someone to talk to about what was happening. Since Dad's passing, my Mum has gone to Cancer Society afternoon teas, which she found helpful in the grieving process. Sometimes it’s just someone to talk to who knows what you are going through and struggles you are facing during such a difficult time.
Throughout his last couple of years, Dad met so many great people. From doctors and nurses who helped him along the way to the other patients going through their own cancer journeys. My Dad was only 63 when he passed away, unfortunately the type of cancer he had was very aggressive and there was no cure. This was so hard for our family to accept, but we will be forever grateful to the people and organisations that made it that little bit easier to deal with.
At Ahuriri Pharmacy, we are helping to raise money for the Cancer Society on August 26th and 27th. Pop in store to buy a bunch of gorgeous daffodils and grab some delicious baking for morning tea – it is going to be an awesome couple of days. It means so much to me to be able to give back to the Cancer Society as they really are there when you need them the most.
Andrea x