Head & Neck Cancer Support Network Trust Community News April 2025

Written By Head and Neck Cancer Support Network

🌟Patient Story: Sitting in the Dark - A Journey Back to Light

Sophie never imagined her life would take this turn. Before her diagnosis, she had a full life—a thriving career, an active social circle, and a passion for mentoring young people in her community. She was always on the move, leading projects, organising events, and making a difference in the lives of those around her. But cancer changed everything. The treatments, the surgeries, and the recovery took more from her than she expected. Her body bore the scars, her voice was altered, and exhaustion became her constant companion.

Now, with the treatment behind her, Sophie found herself sitting alone in the dark—both literally and figuratively. Many of her friends had drifted away, unsure of what to say or how to support her. Colleagues at work had moved on, and the vibrant energy she once brought to her job felt like a distant memory. And she, once independent and strong, felt like a burden to the few who remained.

Sophie’s experience is not uncommon. Many head and neck cancer survivors face a difficult emotional and social recovery, often feeling isolated and unsure of how to move forward. The physical changes are visible, and the emotional scars run just as deep.

But Sophie’s story does not end in darkness. One day, she reached out. She joined an online support group, hesitant at first, but comforted by the presence of others who understood her journey. Through the Head and Neck Cancer Support Network, she found connection again. She shared her story, listened to others, and realised she was not alone.

With time, small steps led to bigger ones. She started walking in the mornings, feeling the sun on her skin. She rekindled her passion for mentoring, finding new ways to stay involved with young people in her community. And she reconnected with an old friend, who, despite the awkwardness of time and distance, was happy to hear from her.

"I’m not sitting in the dark anymore," Sophie says now. "It’s not easy, but I’ve learned that healing isn’t just about the body—it’s about the heart too. And I don’t have to do it alone."

For anyone who feels like Sophie once did, we are here. Reach out. You are not alone, and together, we can find our way back to the light.

Help Us Keep Connecting, Supporting and Advocating

The Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust exists to connect, support, and advocate for people affected by head and neck cancer. Every day, we provide a safe space for patients, survivors, and their loved ones to share their experiences, find comfort, and access vital resources. From online support groups to advocacy for better healthcare services, our work is essential, but we can’t do it alone.

Like many smaller volunteer-run charities, we face increasing challenges in securing funding. The landscape for grants is highly competitive, with larger organizations with paid staff often receiving the bulk of available funds. Without dedicated paid staff to navigate complex grant applications, it’s becoming harder for us to access the financial support we need to continue our work.

That’s why we are asking for your help.

A regular donation—no matter how small—makes a huge difference. Your support helps us maintain our online community, provide resources to those in need, and continue advocating for better care and services. Every contribution goes directly toward ensuring that no one faces head and neck cancer alone.

If our community and their loved ones each gave just a little, we could keep our network running for another year.

Please consider making a donation today. Your generosity allows us to keep doing what we do best—bringing people together, offering hope, and making sure every voice is heard.

Donate now and help us continue our vital work.
https://www.headandneck.org.nz/donations

🌟 From the Chair

Kia ora friends,

As we mark Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you. You are the heart of our community—patients, survivors, family members, caregivers, and supporters—who together make the Head and Neck Cancer Support Network a beacon of hope and strength.

Living with head and neck cancer is not easy. Each of us has faced fear and uncertainty. We’ve had to dig deep to find courage, and often, we’ve leaned on each other to get through the most challenging days. If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a survivor and as your Chair, it’s this: we are stronger together. Our shared experience and the compassion that flows through this community, makes all the difference.

We may be a small organisation, but our collective knowledge and kindness ripple out in powerful ways. Every time you answer a question, offer a kind word, or share your story, you help someone feel less alone. You help someone believe that survival is possible. You give them hope.

The newly diagnosed come to us looking for guidance and reassurance. They are often scared, overwhelmed, and searching for answers. Together, we can light the path forward by:

  • Encouraging calm and clarity amid the chaos.

  • Reinforcing the strength found in a positive mindset.

  • Responding with honesty, empathy, and lived wisdom.

  • Supporting trust in healthcare teams.

  • Sharing stories of survival and strength.

  • Reminding them that remission is possible—and worth fighting for.

  • Offering practical tips for getting through treatment and recovery.

  • Being a safe space for venting, connecting, and simply being understood.

This is our mission, and it’s something we carry out every day with compassion and courage.

To each of you—thank you. Thank you for showing up, for caring, and for continuing to build this vibrant, supportive whānau. It is an honour to walk this journey alongside you.

Be kind to yourself. Be well. Stay strong.

Ngā mihi nui,
Diana Ayling
Chair, Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust

Head and Neck Cancer Support Network
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Head & Neck Cancer Support Network Trust Community News March 2025