Cancer survivor gives back
A Waimate woman on the final lap of her breast cancer journey is taking part in the Relay For Life.
Mari Hewson will don a purple sash and join fellow cancer survivors in leading the first lap at the Waimate A and P Showgrounds on Saturday.
‘‘It’s showing people I’m proud of where I am,’’ Hewson said.
‘‘I’m looking forward to walking with other people like me, who are fighting this and getting there.’’
The annual 12-hour marathon celebrates cancer survivors and remembers lost loved ones, while raising awareness and funds for the New Zealand Cancer Society.
‘‘I am blown away with the support they [the Cancer Society] give,’’ Hewson said.
‘‘They loaned me a prothesis for my bra. They transport me to any appointment. I can pop in for lunch or a cuppa after chemotherapy.’’
Hewson, one of 45 Waimate residents to be diagnosed with cancer last year, received the news after a routine mammogram showed a one-centimetre lump in her breast in September.
She did not realise how aggressive the cancer was when she delayed surgery to remove it by three weeks, in order to go on a pre-booked holiday with family. The lump had grown to 2.5cm by the time she underwent a mastectomy.
Just six more weeks of chemotherapy at Timaru Hospital stood between Hewson and life returning to normal.
‘‘It throws a different curve ball at me each week. The tiredness is terrible,’’ she said.
She chose to join the survivors’ lap on Saturday to celebrate surviving what she describes as a ‘‘terrible ordeal’’.
‘‘I feel human again and want to help out and give back to the Cancer Society, who have been there for me.’’
The relay runs from 10am to 10pm.