Help needed for Annemarie Hope-Cross

"After five and half years of living with cancer, Annemarie died peacefully at home with me by her side. She was looking out at our wonderful garden, which is full of the flowers that make up her wonderful photographic work. Annemarie was hand-painting an image two days before she died. The day before, she got to see the final PDF and cover of her photo book “A Garden is a Long Time" written with Jen Bornholdt, which will be published early next year. It is simply beautiful - the work of a photographic genius.

I wanted personally to thank you all for your huge support and love for Annemarie. Cancer has filled our lives for a long time now, but amongst that despair, it also opened up photo opportunities for us and allowed us a lot of time together, which has been priceless. Most of you will know how selfless Annemarie was. Other people always came first; she was always there supporting people in life and in work roles.

In the middle of brain radiation three weeks ago, she was up at 5.30 am to do an interview with TV3 and followed that with a radio interview and a Stuff News interview - all in support of the new Breast Cancer Foundation NZ guidelines.

Unfortunately, her platelets never recovered enough to start the new drug you have all so generously contributed to. In her last week, Annemarie contacted the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ regarding whether the funds raised could be used to support research into triple-negative breast cancer or to support other individuals who require help to fund drug treatment for triple-negative breast cancer. There is an exciting trial starting in New Zealand next year, and others are in need of help as well.

I would like to see Annemarie’s last wishes around this fulfilled and propose putting most of the Givealittle funding towards the research and contributing to others out there struggling to fund treatment.

Given the change in circumstances, we have also checked with “Give a Little”, and the funds can be used for that purpose if we wish, but if you, as a contributor, prefer not to have that happen, you have the option to have your donation refunded. If that is the case, please get in touch with Givealittle at helpdesk@givealittle.co.nz by Thursday, December 22nd

Thank you for your humanity and generosity, Eric."