Digging pools at Hot Water Beach, playing board games and enjoying barbecues might be a typical Kiwi bach holiday, but for Ronda Amende a family escape to the Coromandel proved a powerfully pivotal point after being given one year to live following a cancer diagnosis.
While the purpose of the trip was to create special memories and tackle difficult discussions, it ultimately rejuvenated the crucial bonds which would power Ronda and her loved ones through a seven-year illness, which has tested their strength, caused upheaval in their lives, and taken a mental toll which plunged one of her children into depression.
“I don’t think people realize how many terminal illnesses affect not just the person dying, but the people left behind,” reflects the TimeOut Charity founder. “Every three months I get a scan to find out whether I’m going to die in the next three months and my family’s been going through that constantly for seven years.
“It’s extremely difficult for people around me to live with constantly knowing they might lose someone. People don’t get taught how to do that.”
Today, Ronda, 51, has defied the odds of her 2013 small intestine cancer diagnosis – having been clear of new tumors since 2015, experienced bucket list moments, and is now excitedly preparing to welcome her first grandchild.
この記事は New Zealand Woman's Weekly の June 7, 2021 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は New Zealand Woman's Weekly の June 7, 2021 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK