Napier' s Di Foote has had a cancer diagnosis herself, as well as losing friends and family to the disease, and says the support of the cancer society has been invaluable.
At the age of 15 she lost her mum to breast cancer, her stepson Jason died eight years ago from melanoma when he was only 32, and she herself had two lots of cancer, 14 and 15 years ago.
She said "her mother's death inspired her to help others", and in 1993 she started working with Look Good Feel Better, the international programme aimed to helping people face cancer with confidence through help with the visible side effects of cancer treatment including hair loss, eyebrows, eyelashes and other skin related issues.
Mrs Foote said the Cancer Society gave her invaluable support to run the classes in Hawke's Bay, and through the people she met and fitted wigs for while they were undergoing treatment, she could see the difference the society's support made.
Everybody felt overwhelmed initially, but once they made contact with the Cancer Society they felt they were not so alone, she said.
"There's always someone to talk to or support you with whatever you need."
She said she had taken part in the Relay for Life in Hawke's Bay ever since it started.
"I love the Relay for Life, seeing familiar faces and catching up each year, and it's great having it for 12 hours rather than 24."
Waipukurau's Sheryl Wiggins had also had more than her fair share of experience with cancer, having had a brother and sister die from the disease, and contracting breast cancer herself in 2015 and then again in 2016.
After having a breast removed, she said she was given the all clear, but just a few months later her husband was diagnosed lung cancer and died in May 2016.
"We went through it all for quite a few years and the Cancer Society was fantastic - they provided just about anything you wanted and were always there for you if you needed them."
She said she travelled on the free bus provided to get treatment in Palmerston North, and little things like coming home to find a cake and flowers on the veranda were part of the incredible support offered in Central Hawke's Bay.
She too had taken part in Relay for Life, accompanied by her miniature horse Cherokee, who she dressed up in various outfits, including a costume comprised of 400 daffodils.
"I just like putting a smile on people's faces especially in situations like that," she said.