International Metastatic (Advanced) Breast Cancer Day was celebrated in style with the Auckland Harbour Bridge bathed in blue, green and pink lights. Sweet Louise, a charity dedicated to supporting New Zealanders with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), hosted an event at the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron, the perfect venue to enjoy the lights on the bridge. The day is marked around the world with iconic monuments and buildings lit in the MBC colours of green for hope and renewal, blue for healing and spirituality and pink, the traditional breast cancer colour, #LightUpMBC.
During the day, heroic leapers Karen Barnett and Brad McCarthy bungy jumped not once but twice from the Harbour Bridge to raise awareness and funds for Sweet Louise. Karen is living life to the max after her diagnosis of MBC. As she stood terrified at the very top of the Harbour Bridge her bungy coach reminded her she’s faced far greater challenges through her cancer and a bungy jump would be all done in a few seconds. She knew she could jump when he reminded her that feeling the fear meant she’s alive! Karen is resolved to “feel the fear and do it anyway”. Brad’s wife Laura passed away from MBC last year, leaving two young daughters. Brad acknowledges how much Laura and the family were lifted by Sweet Louise’s promotion of living your best life after a diagnosis of MBC, and supported by the practical help the charity offers. Brad’s jump was on his 40th birthday, with the fundraising enabling him to give back to the charity that has helped him and his loved ones through the tragedy of loss.
Catrin Devonald, Sweet Louise CEO spoke of the inspirational courage shown by those living with breast cancer and the privilege of leading an organisation focused on providing life-enriching support. The charity’s founder and Board Chair Scott Perkins related the story of his beloved wife Louise’s journey with MBC and his reasons for establishing Sweet Louise 20 years ago, to directly support those affected.
Sweet Louise member Marino (Mo) Sherwin spoke of her treatment for early breast cancer and the trauma years later of learning that her cancer had returned as metastatic and incurable. She realised as a hospital chaplain that no-one is immune from such challenges. She expressed huge gratitude to her friend who had been there for her during her darkest days and nights, providing tremendous aroha and support. They resolved to giggle their way through everything her MBC throws at her. Mo described Sweet Louise as a place where she finds incredibly valuable strength, solace and grace.
