“Happiness is a choice,” says Bridget Tyson, age 33 and mum to nine-month-old Mohi. “There is a time and a place for sadness, but I want to live, feel joy and have a happy life with my family.”
Bridget was six months pregnant when she was diagnosed with metastatic, incurable breast cancer.
A donation today will help make sure Sweet Louise can be there for Bridget and for every New Zealander facing a diagnosis of incurable breast cancer.
Bridget had been living in Tokyo with her partner, Brandon. When they found out they were expecting a baby, they returned home to New Zealand. It was during their two-week stay in quarantine that Bridget started to suffer with back pain.
“I had back pain but thought it was probably related to pregnancy. Then I found a lump in my breast and had various tests,” adds Bridget.
“Then one day, I couldn’t stand at all.
“I went to hospital and an MRI scan confirmed metastatic breast cancer. I stayed in hospital for two weeks. Brandon never left my side and took care of me. He is amazing.
“I had three months of chemotherapy and when Mohi was three weeks old, I started radiation treatment. As soon as Mohi was born I was able to walk again unassisted and without a walking frame. I went into remission for a few months, but a little while ago, the cancer was back. We’ve since changed my treatment plan though and keep on moving forward.
A donation to Sweet Louise today will to provide families like Bridget’s with the care and support they urgently need.
“The hospital referred me to Sweet Louise. I like going along to the support meetings and find the group very helpful. It really helps to have others to talk to who understand what I’m going through.
“Sweet Louise was there for me over the phone when I was first diagnosed and they organised help with cleaning for me for a month when I moved house.
“I hadn’t heard of Sweet Louise before being diagnosed and I really want to raise funds and awareness of the work they do. That’s why I’m planning a fundraising exhibition for next year with local artists.
“What helps me cope is I choose what to focus on. I focus on my family. Keep a positive attitude. Stay present in the moment. Think about how far I’ve come.”