Being heard is a vital part of being loved.
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Update 1st October
1 October 2021At lunchtime yesterday, Brigie met her final challenge in a peaceful and unassuming manner.
She was adept at directing ‘traffic’, helping others get to where they needed to be; she applied that talent to her illness as best she could.
Essential to her happiness stood Bram, her safe harbour where she found solace and wry humour.
Above all: James, Amy and Sally were her epicentre; the fuel that drove her. That’s where she brandished her pride, particularly for the good, decent people they have become. No reflection on her, of course!
Her commitment and love for her ageing mother was formidable. Those traffic skills singularly underwrote Mary’s recovery from a recent stroke.
And weaving through her life was another silken thread: the Scott family. Her affinity with children began with the late Carla and Justina. She never let them go: they’ve engraved their own place.
Children could easily tap into Brigie’s playful side. But they found a disciplinarian too. That was the gift: combining the two.
Loved dearly by her brothers and sisters, Suzanne (her aunt), her nieces and nephews, the late Darryl too, and all who sat with her along the way.
Brigie didn’t need artifices to prop her up; redoubtable, unapologetic and kind were her hallmarks.
Travel well dearest Brigie. We hold you near.
And her last words would be ‘thank you, thank you’ again for your belief and generosity, especially her Australian buddies.
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31st August 2021
31 August 2021Tena koutou katoa
Time for an update on Brigie’s progress. Yesterday, she received her fourth treatment of immunotherapy which already appears to be producing beneficial effects: this morning she reported that she was ‘sitting in the sun’ and ‘it’s just lovely’; while energised enough to be gently working on muscle strength.
Retrospectively, immunotherapy has significantly contributed to Brigie’s ability to attend and enjoy Amy and Brandon’s, and Sally and Joel’s weddings in July. In May, she joined a family hui at Heretaunga to celebrate James and Di’s marriage by video.
True to her integrity, when I complimented a beautiful photo of her supping from a champagne flute she quipped, ‘ I was pretending’. She enjoyed the festivities ‘sans alcohol’ in deference to all her benefactors: she wouldn’t wish to desecrate your goodwill by jeopardising the treatment. An anecdote, I think, that perfectly encapsulates Brigie’s appreciation for your assistance and in what regard she holds you all.
She has also endured two brutal rounds of chemotherapy resulting in hospital admissions. The chemo certainly has its boxing gloves on but it has a fierce opponent who is determined to throw the last punch!
There is no doubt, without your support, Brigie wouldn’t have been able to engage in the past months’ celebrations,and enjoy the company of her children and family and friends.
Meantime, Bram is quietly ensuring Brigie is nourished and protected. She is in safekeeping.
Nga mihi nui
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Update 06/2021
6 June 2021Kia Ora Whanau, because that is what you are: Brigie’s family support. Everything is progressing; since Brigie completed her first course of radiation which shrunk the tumour and decreased her symptoms dramatically, she is moving forward with gusto! Brigie completed a short second course of radiation ten days ago as there were a few gremlins that necessitated an upbraid. Hence, she has discovered a few locks lurking in the shower grate. Monday week is the start date for immunotherapy, and, cross fingers, chemotherapy.
As we know her: she is braced and ready.
Your love and generosity is her driving force.
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Update One
6 May 2021To all Brigie’s benefactors/ contributors/ generous persons...
Just an update on how we are tracking. As you can see we are burgeoning at $... which bodes well for attaining our target.
And, the good news: Brigie has been given the option of a cheaper immunotherapy with the same efficacy as Keytruda, reducing our target by $20,000.
Furthermore, Brigie has been told of a nurse diagnosed with the same condition four years ago, treated with the same medication, and has now returned to work. It helps reassure we are on the right path.
Speaking to Brigie this morning made it clear she is riding a roller coaster of emotions; profoundly humbled and uplifted by this ‘community of kindness’. She wishes to thank each one of you with sincere and deep feeling.
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