Justin Straayer

I'm hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast for the nine women diagnosed with breast cancer each day in New Zealand. This is Estelle's story:

Hello, I’m Estelle Cainey, a lover of life and all things creative.

My Breast Cancer diagnosis was initially given as DCIS Stage 2 in January of 2018, I had surgery, radiation and a course of tamoxifen.

My 2^nd diagnosis was in February of 2023 - metastatic Breast Cancer. I continue to be treated for this condition.

The condition doesn’t define who I am, nor is it central to my life.  It is in addition to. I am still the same person I was prior to diagnosis, if any, more the wiser and more at peace with the simplicity of life.

I am grateful to my place of employment at Cliftons. This company has supported me during my employment and my colleagues have been understanding of my health needs. It has been refreshing to focus on business related activities rather than symptoms and still have my hand in the employment sector.

I am humbled that Clifton’s has dedicated this event in my honour and that includes the Breast cancer community that I engage with.

Your contribution helps provide the much-needed services that people like me rely on. This event is a good platform and opportunity to raise awareness of Breast Cancer. No doubt each of you know of or knew people who have been or are being impacted by cancer. Thank you for showing up and supporting this event.

I am currently taking care of myself at home as I undergo further chemotherapy which this time round is proving challenging.

The Breast Cancer Foundation’s monthly webinars have in particular been informative in my treatment as these free webinars help fill in the gaps where clinicians are too busy to go into detail during clinics with patients. The latest research is discussed in some of these webinars. One of the many services the BC Foundation provides.

On behalf of the cancer community – thank you to each and every one of you – Estelle