John McIlveen is a proud man who led an active and social life as a computer business consultant who enjoyed sharing knowledge, fishing the Barrier and playing guitar at parties.
At only 54 he has been struck down with terminal cancer and now relies on family, friends and the expert help from North Shore Hospice.
John's son Jarrod McIlveen, 32, says it is important for the family that his father live at home during this crucial time in all their lives.
"Without the help of the hospice staff this would not have been possible. They have made a huge impact on our family and the quality time he can spend with us."
John was diagnosed with a tumour on his face and has had five operations since to remove his nose and chase the cancer as it spread. He has now endured three separate courses of radio therapy to no avail.
while at home now with regular nursing-care supplied by the hospice he did spend four weeks as an in-patient to manage his pain.
"The lengths they will go to is amazing," says Jarrod. "They are helping to keep him at home in a relaxed environment and assisting my stepmother."
Jarrod is so impressed he is running a marathon to raise funds for the organisation that has helped his family over six harrowing months.
"I've trained for four or five years and never run one. I looked at my dad and the pain he was going through and thought if he can do that I can do it too."
You can find Jarrod's fundraising page at www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/default.asp.
Meanwhile the hospice is also raising awareness and funds with its annual Vintners' Brunch.
Twelve prominent Auckland restaurants provide an entree-size portion of their signature dish to tempt 450 paying guests.
Out of the 12 participating restaurants, one will prepare canapés, ten will prepare the entree type "main" and Fonterra/Kapiti will provide cheese.
All twelve dishes are then matched with a wine from 12 prominent New Zealand Wineries.
The event is held on Sunday, July 26 at Sky City and is hosted by The Aucklander's very popular food and wine critic, Vic Williams.
* Update. John Alexander McIlveen went peacefully at home on July 19 with support of hospice and love of family.
NORTH SHORE HOSPICE
is a service and facility dedicated to providing the best possible quality of life for those with a terminal illness. Specialist doctors and nurses experienced in palliative and terminal care and counsellors work together with the patient and their family to relieve pain and provide physical, emotional and spiritual support during the final stages of a patient's life.
- North Shore Hospice was formed in 1983 by a group of concerned North Shore residents and is registered as a Charitable Trust governed by a Board of Trustees.
- North Shore Hospice provides a service to patients at home or in the In-patient Unit (IPU) located at 7 Shea Terrace, Takapuna.
- North Shore Hospice also has 600 volunteers involved in every area of Hospice life; including homecare volunteers who give caregivers a break, companions for patients, IPU and front desk receptionists, kitchen help, Hospice shop assistants, gardeners and, of course, fundraising and events volunteers.
WHY THE HOSPICE NEEDS YOUR HELP
It costs North Shore Hospice over $5m to provide its free service this year. The Waitemata District Health Board funds 60 per cent of the costs, which leaves a shortfall of over $2m to fundraise.