Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini

I come not of my own strengths but on the strengths of many others before me

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Personal stories of courage, resilience, and celebration, from those who have traversed their breast cancer experience.

Our intention is that these stories will give you and your whānau strength, hope, and encouragement as you walk the pathway of those who have gone before.

Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei

This whakataukī reflects these words from Sir James Henare:

“You have come too far not to go further.”

It also speaks of perseverance, endurance, and refusing to let obstacles get in your way while striving to reach your goals.

Sometimes, the greatest battle can be facing the maunga (mountain) within but if you raise your eyes high enough and your desire drives you to climb there, you can do it.

From initial diagnosis to the physical, mental, and spiritual toll, the milestones, recovery and celebrations… There are personal stories for every stage.

Recovery: A salute to the sun

About three weeks after my mastectomy surgery when the last of the supportive troops of friends, pouring through the front door bringing baskets of baking, armfuls of flowers, cards with hopefulRead more

Treatment: A tribute to my cancer companion Millie Magic of Lonehill Classic Dream

I have always been an animal lover and for some reason dogs have always been my ’true love’. Dogs embrace everything I love about animals – beauty, loyalty and never-ending devotion and love.Read more

Treatment: Cancer Etiquette

You’d never know that many of us at the chemotherapy unit are bald as. Scarves, beanies, hats, and wigs hide the peachy fuzz on our heads. There is a good reason for this: it’s cold with a baldRead more

Initial Diagnosis: Whispers of Pain

I thought I heard your voice speak But my mind was somewhere else You called me by my first name But I felt like someone else The only thing I knew for sure Was the pain I knew I had to endureRead more

Would you like to talk to someone?

Call our breast cancer support line for confidential support.

We're always here to support you. If you want to talk to someone about what you're going through, our breast cancer support line is available from 8:30am to 5:00pm, 365 days a year.