A field of sunflowers. A call to give hope.

When Susanne Volkers arrived in New Zealand from Germany in 1993, she never expected to fall in love - or call New Zealand home. But she did. Two years later, she married Peter, and together they raised twin daughters, Leah and Jemima. Their life was full of adventure, family, and service to others.

Susanne was one of those people who quietly made the world better. She even volunteered as a driver for the Cancer Society, helping others get to treatment, always with kindness and care.

In 2014, life took a turn. Susanne received news that she had cancer and became a client herself.

It's in moments like this that the Cancer Society steps in.

Because cancer changes everything, and we're here to help with free accommodation, transport to treatment, emotional support, practical advice, and a team of people who truly care.

We walk alongside families like the Volkers through the most difficult days of their lives and we do it thanks to people like you.

In the final stages of Susanne's treatment, Peter wanted to do something to give back. Something for others going through what his family had faced.

And from that, a beautiful idea was born.

Peter planted sunflower seeds across a field in Millers Flat, Central Otago. Not to raise money, just to lift people's spirits. But when those 120,000 sunflowers bloomed, something extraordinary happened.

People came. They wandered through the golden field, shared stories of loved ones lost or fighting cancer, and donated generously. With help from the Cancer Society and the local community, Peter's field raised $18,777.30 - far beyond his original hope of $5,000.

That money is helping to fund transport (the same lifeline Susanne had once provided for others), accommodation, counselling, support groups, and vital research.

Sadly, Susanne has since passed away. But her light, her heart, and her spirit live on in the sunflowers that bloom, and in every person the Cancer Society is able to help, thanks to the generosity of people like you.

Right now, your support means everything. Will you give today?

Let Susanne's story - and Peter's field of sunflowers - inspire a gift that could change a life.

Thank you for being part of this incredible community of hope.