Speaking out to benefit NZ Breast Cancer Foundation

9 June 2015

Speaking out to benefit NZ Breast Cancer Foundation

Ironically, Sheils Carnihan was in the best health of her life when the bomb shell dropped – well at least she thought she was.

“I was really fit, I had lost 20 kilos, and I was feeling really fit and strong. I was going to a personal trainer, I was swimming 150 lengths a week and I was feeling amazing.”

And then it came – the diagnosis of breast cancer in June 2014. The shocking thing was Sheils hadn’t felt a lump or unwell at all.

“It was a routine mammogram that picked up a very small shadow – probably a cyst said the doctor but best to check on it to be sure.”

A couple of weeks later Sheils went for a biopsy and received the devastating news that she had breast cancer. An operation to remove the tumour revealed the cancer had spread to some of her lymph nodes and eight of those were also removed. Aggressive chemotherapy, radiation and a cocktail of other drugs was going to be needed.

The founder of NumberWorks ‘nWords Kapiti, Sheils was faced with selling the business and moving cities to join her husband Daniel who had recently relocated to Christchurch for work.

A year on and Sheils believes her positive attitude and fitness have helped her come through so well.

Angela Bensemann of Pukerua Bay based WorksWonders, says every woman needs to hear Sheils’ story, learn from it and take advantage of the free mammogram service.

Sheils will be the guest speaker at WorksWonders charity clothes swap on Saturday 27 June, 2pm at Pukerua Bay School Hall.

“There’s a real buzz at our clothes swaps – they’re great fun and we’ve raised several thousand dollars for charities over the past few years. This time all the money goes to the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation,” says Angela.

“The concept is simple, just bring along a few good quality unwanted items of clothing or accessories and swap them for things you like better.”

• Saturday 27 June

• 2pm

• Pukerua Bay School Hall

• Entry fee just $15 (+ extra cash for raffles and chair massage)

For more information on the clothes visit www.workswonders.co.nz

Ends

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