Relay for Life a chance to give back for survivor
Olivia Thompson wanted to give back to the Cancer Society but wasn’t sure how.
A message from Donna Milne, the Southland Relay for Life organiser, gave her the encouragement and idea she needed.
Thompson is 45 and in remission from breast cancer after being diagnosed in 2021, she had an mastectomy two days before Christmas that year, after a noticing a lump earlier in the year.
In 2022, she had another surgery and now two years on is in remission, her hair has grown back and she’s gaining more and more confidence every day.
“It was scary but I am glad I got the help I needed,” she said.
“A lot of people won’t get that help, and by telling my story, I just hope it inspires them to get the help they require. If you find anything to get it seen. I left it too long and wish I had seen someone earlier.”
“The Cancer Society can help you out with everything you need. Especially young Māori ladies, go and get checked out.
“Hearing that it was cancer really hit me hard. I was lucky that my husband was my rock and my children were helped me through the tough days of chemotherapy.”
She decided a good way to repay some faith and support was by taking part in the 2024 Relay for Life at Stadium Southland.
“I at least want to do the survivor walk. I really want to make the 12 hours. Even if I have to bring me a wee bed to nap on because my energy levels aren’t great still.
“I want to give back to the community for everything they have done for me but also taught me.”
Thompson’s best friend and her sister have joined up so far and she’s confident some of the boys she coaches in softball and fellow Tigers club members will also come and do some laps for her throughout the day.
“I do have a few family members who want to come and walk with me too which is pretty cool.
“My aunty used to do it a lot because she had breast cancer and this is one of the first years she hasn’t been able to come down and take part. So I am doing
“Hearing that it was cancer really hit me hard. I was lucky that my husband was my rock and my children were helped me through the tough days of chemotherapy.”
Olivia Thompson
it for her as well.”
She admitted at times it was incredibly difficult, but her family has helped her through those tough times.
“It’s been a couple of years now and I just thought I can do this and give back.”
Originally, Thompson was just going to join a team, but some words of encouragement from Milne has since seen her enter a team.
She has set a goal of raising $500. “I think we are at $300, so anything over and above is awesome.”
Thompson said she was excited to see what the day brings, what activities there are and fun people to be around.
“It’s going to be a good vibe. I want to do it for the one’s we’ve lost as well.”
A former coach is also motivation for her competing in the walk.
“One of the ladies that used to coach me, Tammy, passed away from cervical cancer and it’s been a hard season this year because it was the first one without her,” Thompson said.
“She was like a mum to me. She taught me everything I knew with softball.”
The relay starts today at 10am at ILT Stadium Southland and concludes at 10pm.