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Marie Buchanan - Source: ONE News -
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Marie Buchanan knows a bit about cancer. The deadly disease has taken those closest to her.
But she doesn't cower from cancer, instead she spends every Wednesday doing what she can for those suffering from the disease.
At the Wellington Oncology Day Ward, people come for chemotherapy and a little hope. What they get on a Wednesday is Marie Buchanan.
"I suppose the word enjoyable is wrong when dealing with ill people, but it's rewarding," says Marie.
Marie is English, so she does what comes naturally, she makes the tea. For everyone.
She helps out for free and it's not an easy job, because her friends come and go and never say goodbye.
"In a way it's quite good, you don't see them again and you don't know why, so you're hopeful that they are better," she says.
Marie helps for a good reason. She narrowly avoided a mastectomy several years ago, then cancer took the only man she ever loved.
"He died of pancreatic cancer when he was 50.... lovely, lovely man, still love him, there will still be no one else for me," she says.
Josephine Tiro, her daughter Sophia and her mate Rachel Roberts are Marie's regulars. Josephine has been coming for two years.
"It's become like a second home after a while so it's important to have people like Marie who's smiling," she says.
It was Rachel who emailed ONE News, after quietly admiring Marie's efforts from afar.
"You know this is a tough place to be and she makes them feel good, laugh, even a cup of tea makes a huge difference to what they are doing."
Add a Comment:
Post new commentRuralWomenNZ said on 2011-06-17 @ 09:09 NZDT: Report abusive post
Hey! We thought you might be interested in the aftersocks projects that will raise money for the Chch Mayoral Fund. The idea came from two Cantabrian sisters called Justine and Jo Ottey. Check out the website www.aftersocks.co.nz from the 20th June or www.facebook.com/aftersocks.
Jazz1 said on 2010-05-24 @ 14:59 NZDT: Report abusive post
Love this segment! What great people!
margi21 said on 2010-04-07 @ 21:36 NZDT: Report abusive post
I have this guys heart i would be dead if it wasent for him , thanks barry !
Jankeal said on 2009-12-25 @ 23:57 NZDT: Report abusive post
Tim is my father and i'd just like to say that i'm proud of what he does bringing happiness to others lives and yet still finds time to talk and see his grandchildren. For a man who's had it rough the last 2-3 years it hasn't slowed him down and he still has time for everyone. Good on you dad/Pop!
TheHoltens said on 2009-12-21 @ 11:34 NZDT: Report abusive post
The piece about Mark Granthams brought tears to my eyes. What an inspirational young man. Has made me look at myself and realise what little I do for the wider community. Thanks Mark :)