An “inspirational” cancer survivor who counsels others going through the same journey will be out next Friday with fellow volunteers on Daffodil Day.

Amanda Acheson was diagnosed with leukaemia in  May  last year and spent a year in treatment with over 140 chemotherapy sessions.

She has been in remission for six months.  

Mrs Acheson now offers counselling to other people and their families affected by cancer.

Daffodil Day raises money for the Cancer Society. Volunteer collectors will take to the streets on August 28  at locations across the Waitaki district.

Mrs Acheson said each person’s  cancer journey was unique. 

“I don’t know how anybody’s individual journey feels, but I can come with my own lived experience and sit with somebody and offer my presence, and I’ll be out on the street during Daffodil Day and for the collections.” 

She had been on a “huge journey” from her initial diagnosis, which “took a long time to sink in”.

The toughest part was making new friends and then losing them.

“The people you meet, it’s like looking in a mirror,” she said. “You make friends with people in the ward and in the house who have a similar diagnosis and then some die, and that is really confronting.”

She described her cancer journey as a “transformational time”.

“I learnt an awful lot about myself,” she said.

“I’m just full of awe and gratitude for what we do have here in the public health system which served me incredibly well.”

The nurses who cared for her were “lovely” and she was well supported by family and friends.

“My daughter Hannah and son Josh were both in Dunedin, and I had terrific friends and family who visited me — I had one friend who video called me every night while she was making tea.

“Things like that are small, but incredible,” she said. 

Mrs Acheson said there were definitely moments when she was scared during her cancer journey but it was also “hugely peaceful”. 

“I guess when we get to face death and lose the fear of that, then you just carry on with each day.”

Oamaru Cancer Society cancer navigator Sharon Brogan said Mrs Acheson was a “real inspiration” as both a cancer survivor and Daffodil Day volunteer.

“Her journey with cancer was not supposed to have a great outcome but she decided that is not how it was going to be and she fought so hard.

“She was one sick lady but now she is cancer free, and she has a very positive attitude.” 

The Cancer Society would use the money raised to offer free support for people with cancer and their whānau, to fund cancer research and deliver health promotion activities to reduce the risk of cancer for future generations, Ms Brogan said.

The society also recognised the extraordinary individuals whose generosity, compassion and commitment make a lasting difference to those affected by cancer across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Mrs Acheson is a  former manager of North Otago Youth Centre and was a “Waitakian of the year” award recipient in 2021.