Along with good tidings and cheer, the holidays also bring steep expectations and stress. When cancer is thrown into the mix, the season becomes all the more challenging.
After retiring from a career in nursing, Jocelyn quickly realised she missed the regular contact and company of people. Volunteering is a way to stay connected and put her experiences supporting others to good use.
For many people, a skydive is a once in a lifetime experience. For Alisha Matthews, once wasn’t enough. The 29-year-old has signed up to Jump for Cancer for the second year in a row and is aiming to raise even more for the Cancer Society in 2019.
After his cancer diagnosis, Kerry Grassam had to travel two and a half hours to Hamilton for treatment. Support from the Cancer Society and being able to stay at the Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge made all the difference during this difficult time.
After receiving her second cancer diagnosis, and not long after moving to Whitianga, Jenny Edwards started a group to provide support for people affected by cancer in the Coromandel town.
After going through his own cancer journey, John Torres knows how important free transport to treatment is. That's why he volunteers as a driver for the Cancer Society, getting people to and from their appointments at the hospital.
Debbie Mitchell could barely walk two years ago when she first met Cancer Society supportive care nurse Angelique Ensor. She’s gone from walking frame to 5km walk, thanks to the inspiration and motivation she gets from the people she meets at a weekly Cancer Society walk.
For people like Nicole, the Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge is a home away from home during cancer treatment.
“For some people there’s a lot of stress at home. But when they’re here, they can just concentrate on getting better. They can go and have a sleep when they want. They don’t have to worry about meals.
The Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge in Hamilton provides free accommodation, meals and support for people who travel long distances for cancer treatment at Waikato Hospital.
Master’s student Shalini Guleria says volunteering at the Cancer Society has helped to keep her motivated while researching cancer at the University of Waikato.
