Cash boost for cancer retreats

Kristin Paterson, left, and Jetstar cabin crew member Elle Shaw on the beach at the Kimi Ora Eco Resort, Nelson, with Whole Lotta Life.

Organisation tries to overcome the loneliness of a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer survivor Kristin Paterson is celebrating after the organisation she founded for young people battling the disease was handed a massive cash boost from Jetstar.

The Nelson-based Whole Lotta Life Foundation has received a $30,000 grant from the budget airline's Flying Start programme.

The grant will help fund two retreats for members on a five-day support programme that includes relaxation yoga, art therapy and equine therapy.

Paterson, 34, a mother of two girls, launched the foundation three years ago after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma at 26.

She has been given the all-clear but last year underwent a double mastectomy as a precaution against breast cancer.

"When I was going through treatment I was very aware I was the youngest cancer patient by far and it made me feel very isolated," she told the Herald on Sunday.

"I met one other young person in Nelson who was fighting cancer and it helped me through the bad times. It eventually got me thinking about the effect cancer has on younger people and decided to start a support group."

Paterson said cancer sufferers between 20 and 45 are often in the early stages of their career, and in many instances have young children.

"A cancer diagnosis can make young adults feel like their lives are standing still while their peers are continuing to grow and develop.

"Whole Lotta Life is about creating a community and offering resources to support young people as they go through treatment and beyond."

A $15,000 cash component of the grant will help fund the retreats.

The remainder will help young adult cancer sufferers to fly to the retreats, which will be held in Kumeu and Martinborough next year.

Paterson said the young adults with cancer who are part of Whole Lotta Life are scattered from Auckland to Invercargill.

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand chief executive Dean Salter said the airline is proud to be supporting such a deserving organisation.

"It's pleasing to see not only the resources and support that Whole Lotta Life provides, but the sense of community and togetherness they will build through these camps," Salter said.