CanTeen cards inspirational

Brianna Haswell, of Napier, with the greeting card she designed for CanTeen. Photo/Duncan Brown

CanTeen is introducing a range of greeting cards designed by young artists sharing their experiences with cancer.

The cards, now on sale, depict the art of six young CanTeen members, ranging in age from 15 to 23.

Brianna Haswell, 16, was one of countless entrants whose design was accepted for the cards.

"The inspiration for my design is the paper plane because to me it symbolises freedom and the hope of achieving your goals," Miss Haswell said.

The Napier local was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of 5 and underwent two years of chemotherapy treatment.

"At the time, I didn't fully understand what was going on but looking back now I see that my experience has given me a better understanding of life," said Miss Haswell, who was vice-president of the CanTeen Hawke's Bay branch committee.

CanTeen National marketing manager Debbie Thomson said the strength that inspiring messages generated could be truly life-changing for CanTeen members.

"This year we have asked our artists to share what inspires them, their experiences, memories and stories and are asking the rest of New Zealand to take part by spreading their inspiration through the cards," Ms Thomson said. CanTeen is a national peer-support organisation which caters for young people aged 13to 24 living with cancer as a patient, sibling or bereaved sibling. Its greeting cards come in packs of six for $16, with the money going to CanTeen in its support for young people living with cancer.

Cards are available by calling 0800 22 34 34 or online at canteen.org.nz/shop/greeting-cards.