This Daffodil Day, we need your support more than ever to ensure crucial cancer care is available for every Kiwi in need
As father of two Luke, buckled over with severe abdominal pain, he had no idea his entire world was about to be turned upside down.
“I was thinking, man, this is not good… The doctor’s holding my hand, and he goes,
‘Luke, you’ve got stage 4 bowel cancer.’ They had to do an urgent resection of my bowel, but I was only hearing every fourth word. If I’d left it for another 36 hours, I’d be dead.”
In these moments, Luke’s life was changed forever. What kind of support do you think he would need?
A caring, specialist nurse visiting him throughout his treatment? Access to a counsellor to talk through his fears and anxiety? A friendly face driving him to chemotherapy, or a welcoming place to stay near the hospital?
This Daffodil Day, you can make all this possible by giving generously today.
Luke’s mind turned to his wife, Cushla, and sons Theo (6) and Hunter (9). Explaining his diagnosis was every husband and father’s worst nightmare.
“My boys at the time were five and eight. I wanted them to know that yes, I’ve been afflicted with something that has a potential outcome to take my life, but everyone’s going to do everything they can to make sure I’m here as long as possible.”
The first step after his urgent bowel resection was six gruelling rounds of chemo, and surgery to remove the cancer on his liver.
“There’s the physical side of chemo which is horrible. I was having issues with temperature sensitivity, peripheral neuropathy in my hands and feet, and the nausea. But nothing prepares you for the mental load. That’s the hardest bit.”
It was during chemotherapy, that Cancer Society Nurse Estelle provided free expert advice, care, and a listening ear when Luke needed it most.
“It was so great being able to just pick up the phone, which I’ve done numerous times, and get some much-needed guidance and advice. It really calms the mind, because things run away real quick when you are left to your own devices or without an answer,” recalls Luke.
You have the power to change the lives of other Kiwis facing cancer. Please donate generously this Daffodil Day.
Our specialist Cancer Nurses are more than just a one-time-call; they check in regularly, building relationships and adding a sense of comfort throughout a cancer patients’ journey. Please donate to help the 1 in 3 like Luke.