LIFE throws everyone challenges now and then, but fighting for your life can make other trials and tribulations seem somewhat inconsequential.
Cancer battler Thelma Haslip is a determined woman and when she heard about the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, she knew this was a test she couldn’t pass up.
Mrs Haslip and more than 30 friends and supporters will join hundreds of other people affected by the disease when they strut their stuff around Mt Smart Stadium’s track on February 20.
The fun-filled event starts at 4pm on the Saturday and finishes at 10am the next day.
Team members walk or run around the track, ensuring there is always someone on the go.
“I’m looking forward to having fun,” says Mrs Haslip.
“I’m overwhelmed by the response of people joining our teams. Some of them have also had cancer.”
The event opens with a survivors’ and carers’ lap of honour, and people who have had a cancer diagnosis, either recently or in the past, are invited to take a special guest and join the special ceremony. They do not need to enter the relay.
There is a candlelight ceremony to remember those who have died from cancer, as well as festive entertainment and a pyjama party.
Mrs Haslip would like to stay awake for the overnight party but is unsure if she’ll manage to stave off the sleep deprivation.
Her two teams have a tent and there will be camp beds if anyone needs to nod off.
But she is no stranger to walking and keeping fit because she has been an active member of Pakuranga Athletic Club for many years, as a participant and a volunteer.
Then there’s her other passion, line dancing, and her team is named after one of her favourite dances, champagne on ice.
“I’ve found line dancing to be good therapy,” says Mrs Haslip.
“I go two or three times a week and it’s good for my legs. I had radiotherapy and needed to strengthen my muscles again.”
Mrs Haslip was diagnosed with having breast cancer four years ago and had to be treated in Australia because there was a shortage of medical resources in New Zealand.
In July 2009, Mrs Haslip was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in her bones.
A tumour was removed from her head and she needs further surgery. It is also in her spine, which required radiotherapy on her lower back.
Last year she contacted the Cancer Society and recommends others do the same, saying the non-profit organisation gives guidance to cancer patients, helping them ask the correct questions when coping with the hospital system.
“The Cancer Society has been good to me, sending around a support nurse who explained my medication.
“She also explained about its services and put me in touch with people I needed to meet.”
Mrs Haslip has changed the set-up around her family home because she is not allowed to bend her back.
Little things, such as moving saucepans to waist-height and buying an upright vacuum cleaner, make life easier.
She could not drive for about six months and needed friends to help with transport. Her supporters have been rattling their collection buckets at community events to raise funds for the Cancer Society, and they are keen to raise money during the relay by selling refreshments.
Anybody can join in the fun on February 20, and show their support for the Cancer Society and survivors.
