Cancer survivors Kerry Hocquard and Lydia Pei have their sashes ready for this weekend's Relay for Life. The woman behind the skin-protecting shade sails scattered around many Palmerston North parks, schools, pools and events lives with the reality of melanoma every day. Cancer Society Manawatū-based community health advocate Kerry Hocquard walked New Zealand's first Relay for Life survivors' lap in Palmerston North 20 years ago and is still going strong. It was a life-saving observation and Hocquard is eternally grateful for the young woman who cared for her total well-being, not just the baby. Hocquard said living with cancer brought its own special gifts, like an awareness of finding the things that really matter, being gentle and the importance of hope.

Source: Stuff March 13, 2020 01:07 UTC