Barbara McNaught from Auckland shares her story of hope – having been diagnosed with advanced breast cancer 20 years ago. “I’m in a good place now but I never take anything for granted. Having Sweet Louise in the background has been my ‘backbone’,” says Barbara. “I was the 6th in my family to get breast cancer (there has since been a 7th) so I had been vigilant and caught it … Read More
“Sweet Louise is my sense of purpose,” says Scott Perkins, Founder and Chair of Sweet Louise. “I founded Sweet Louise 16 years ago after my dear wife Louise died of incurable breast cancer.” “We started with an idea. We had an inspiration. There was a gap. A gap to provide practical and emotional support. Because every oncologist will tell you those patients who have the right emotional support, the right … Read More
Kate Caro is one of our wonderful volunteers – she regularly helps to drive members to the Sweet Louise support meetings and helps at the meetings and events such as Member Days. Kate says: “I’ve been involved with Sweet Louise since the very beginning. Louise was a close friend of mine. “I met Louise at secondary school, and she was a great friend to me and my family. I was … Read More
Volunteer Roles Required We are a small team with a huge role to support Kiwis living with advanced breast cancer. Volunteering and giving your time is an incredible way to make a difference. It offers the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and make a positive difference to New Zealanders with incurable breast cancer. We currently have a need for the below roles in Central and West Auckland … Read More
On Wednesday 8 June, we held our special Giving Day where every gift was matched thanks to some incredibly generous friends and donors.Together, we raised a staggering $180,209 in just one day. Thank you so much to everyone who donated.Initial Goal: $120,000Dream Goal: $160,000FINAL GOAL: $180,209We’re so proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together this Giving Day.Donation to our Giving Day will go towards providing Care Vouchers for … Read More
“Being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer has made me start living my best life. I can’t control the cancer, but I can control how I respond,” says Karen Barnett from Auckland, who was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in early 2021. “2021 was the start of a journey I was NOT expecting in life…especially not at the age of 38. I have breast cancer with secondary breast cancer in the … Read More
Mum & daughter cookbook celebrates zest for food, travel, and entertaining. In memory of the author’s mother – a natural-born cook, entertainer, and traveller – Rob’s Kitchen celebrates Robyn Cameron’s remarkable zest for life; one tragically cut short after a 17-year battle with breast cancer. Filled with Robyn’s passion for Mediterranean food and European travels, Sophia Cameron faithfully recalls her mother’s favourite, signature dishes from handwritten recipes. Lovingly recreating and … Read More
“This disease has shown me that things can change so quickly. Whilst I’m well and stable, I want to make the most of every day. I now appreciate the little things in life and I am so grateful for time I spend with loved ones, with my family,” says member, Brenda Suttill. Brenda lives in Christchurch with her daughter, Avalon, 13, husband Mike, and her guardian angel – Gizmo the … Read More
“I enjoy working in healthcare as I love being with people,” says Kendra Ellis, Sweet Louise Support Coordinator for Northland and North Auckland. Kendra has always worked in healthcare and has a background in community nursing and palliative care. “I get so much satisfaction in being able to guide and support people when they are vulnerable or sick. You can see the positive effects of your work and know that … Read More
“Sweet Louise has inspired me not to allow the cancer to control my life. I want to live life to the full,” says Metua Ngamata-Rorani, a mum and grandma from Auckland. Through her job as a social worker, Metua was used to advocating for others, but not for herself. Her manager at work convinced Metua to get a mammogram. “I was asked to make a follow up appointment. I knew … Read More
The latest issue of our newsletter Sweet Connection is here! Inside, you’ll be able to read all about the difference your generosity is making to women around the country who are living with incurable breast cancer. You can also hear from amazing supporters across New Zealand who are raising funds to make a difference for people in their community who are living with incurable breast cancer. Download the January 2022 … Read More
This year, over 80 events and tea parties took place across the motu, raising vital funds to support Kiwis with advanced breast cancer. Covid did its best to cause chaos, but our resourceful community didn’t let that stop them! From Zoom parties and online raffles to socially distanced get-togethers, to the lucky ones who were able to bring family and friends together in person – thank you to everyone who … Read More
On 24 November 2021, Sweet Louise, BCAC and Metavivors NZ hosted a webinar on the Covid-19 vaccination and advanced breast cancer. Joining the discussion were oncologists Sarah Barton and Richard Isaacs, and epidemiologist Morgan Edwards. You can watch a recording of the webinar below. You can also download and read a transcript of the questions and answer session. If you have any further queries regards vaccination against Covid-19, we recommend … Read More
Today is Metastatic Breast Cancer Day – a chance to raise awareness of incurable, metastatic breast cancer in New Zealand. Most importantly, it is a day to honour the courage of the hundreds of New Zealanders who are currently living with a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Each year, about 3000 women in New Zealand are diagnosed with breast cancer, and up to 400 women are diagnosed with metastatic breast … Read More
Thanks to the wonderful supporters who generously donated to our Stand Strong 4 Sweet Louise Giving Day, we’re really excited to announce we have a new Support Coordinator!! We’re delighted to introduce you to Amy Kirkpatrick. Amy will be supporting women with incurable breast cancer in central and west Auckland, where our team has been stretched well beyond their limits. Amy brings an incredible amount of specialist experience to her … Read More