Survivor helping others

Shirley Harrison is one of those people who loves life and enjoys giving back.

Next month, Shirley will be helping with the Cancer Society's Daffodil Day at Westfield Chartwell for her 12th consecutive year.

She is one of the society's constant volunteers and encourages others who have time to get out and help in the fight against a disease which claims far too many lives - young and old.

Shirley says volunteering has proved to be one of her most rewarding activities.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, Shirley experienced chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Like many others, she suffered the discomfort of the treatment and the hair loss.

She counts herself as one of the lucky ones as she was discharged from hospital outpatients in 2000.

"This saga was a wake-up call for me," she says. "I now live my life to the full."

Shirley says she had tremendous support from her family and friends, along with doctors and nurses.

As well as her annual involvement in Daffodil Day - and sales leading up to the day itself - Shirley volunteers for Look Good Feel Better, Relay for Life, Waikato Hospital oncology department reception and supports facilitators for training days and courses run by Cancer Society nurses.

She is also secretary of the Women's Cancer Support Group.

"I will be forever grateful for the support and friendships I have made on my journey and, as an individual, feel I am giving back a little hope and helping those who helped me on my road to survival," she says.

To support the Cancer Society by volunteering on Daffodil Day, phone 0800 22 77 44 or email fundraising co-ordinator Marie Van Eyk at marievaneyk@cancersociety.org.nz.