Meet this year’s national award winners

Life Membership Awards

Honorary Life Membership is the highest award given to any individual who has made a substantial contribution over a considerable period of time. It also recognises a sustained level of dedication and commitment to our mission of ensuring families facing childhood cancer don’t have to walk the path alone.  

These four inspiring wāhine have dedicated themselves to countless families at Child Cancer Foundation for a combined total of more than 90 years!  

Their Excellencies, the Rt Hon. Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO and Dr Richard Davies warmly welcomed the recipients who received recognition at Government House Auckland on 22nd August 2024. 

Christine Donovan, Dunedin

Acknowledged for her incredible work with families in the South Island as a volunteer and through her mahi.  

Her journey began in 1991 when her daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia. 

Christine covers the Otago/Southland region, ensuring families in some of the most remote places feel supported, which often means a lot of travel and time away from home. She has been instrumental in delivering Remembrance Day events and sits on the PDG committee. 

Christine has built strong and lasting relationships with those fortunate to have been supported by her. 

“Christine’s emotional and social support was invaluable. Her hospital and home visits, along with her ability to listen and share her knowledge, meant so much to us. During Craig’s eight months in Christchurch for a bone marrow transplant, her visits and phone calls were a lifeline. Christine showed us great compassion, especially when Craig was receiving palliative care.”  Child Cancer Foundation Life Member Karen Heslip, whose son Craig was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 1998 

Barbara Richardson, Rotorua

Celebrated for being a cornerstone of support and compassion across the Lakes and Eastern Bay of Plenty regions while serving our mission wholeheartedly for 18 years.  

Families and colleagues alike hold Barb in their highest regard, commenting on the relationships she has built and nurtured through trust, empathy and understanding.  

Families have described her as an inspiring woman who gives an incredible amount of love and care to everyone she meets. Her capacity for empathy and thoughtfulness is endless. 

“I first met Barbara while our children were going through treatment. On a particularly bad day, she took me for coffee and offered a supportive shoulder to cry on—I have never forgotten that. She has empathy, patience, and grace, and has tirelessly supported families during stressful times.” Yvonne Osborne, former Branch Chair in Whakatane 

Raewyn Sayers, Kawhia

Awarded for being a vital link for our Health Professionals and helping families in the greater Waikato region. 

For those who have had the pleasure of working with Raewyn, there is a shared appreciation for her strong knowledge base, her unconditional positive regard in her work, her quiet, non-judgmental manner and her big heart. 

Further still, Raewyn has been described as an integral part families’ lives – standing by them every step of the way. 

“She is often the first-person families mention when asked about their support. Raewyn is always there, providing exactly what families need when they need it, and nothing is ever too difficult for her. Her strong knowledge and professional relationships have been invaluable to the families over the years, and we wouldn’t have some of our special memories without her.”  Kelsey Beck, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Rainbow Place. 

Sue Green, Ashburton

Recognised for her 26 years of volunteering with us.  

Sue was a founding member of the Mid-Canterbury branch of Child Cancer Foundation following her and her husband Rod’s son’s cancer diagnosis in 1987. The branch was set up in 1996 to raise funds to support local families impacted by childhood cancer and organise social outings.   

Sue leaves behind a profound legacy of advocacy and faithful support for the families in her region, having cultivated a close-knit community. 

“Sue was one of my first interactions with Child Cancer Foundation after my son was diagnosed. She always made us feel included in the group even when we were unable to attend due to being in the hospital. She still checks in and asks if she can help, or thinks of great tips or ideas so we continue to support our community.”  Amy Huggins, Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury Whānau Connect Lead 

We couldn’t be more proud! 

Each of these women have a direct and personal connection with childhood cancer. They’ve created a lasting legacy of compassion, strong relationships and support.  

We’re so grateful for their tremendous influence on our mission — and not only that! They helped wrap essential care around families going through childhood cancer while they faced the same journey themselves. 

Congratulations Christine, Barbara, Raewyn and Sue! 

There are photos of the event over at the Governor-General’s Blog. 

Here’s more on how we help support families going through childhood cancer. 

Star Awards

The event at Government House also celebrated and acknowledged the wonderful tamariki who have contributed one of the most valuable things of all – their story.  

Mae, William, Maggie and Roman received our Star Awards for giving back to Child Cancer Foundation in a profound way — sharing their journey is not only a powerful part of being able to communicate what the Foundation does, but also an act of great generosity and bravery given how sensitive and personal each child’s story is to them and their family. 

Here’s a little more about each of our 2023/2024 Stars. 

At a separate event earlier this year in Christchurch, our first Angel Star family – The Lodge Family – was also recognised for their involvement after the passing of their daughter Maddison. They have our deepest appreciation for acting as ambassadors for other whānau who have lost their child to cancer. 

Our heartfelt thank you to Rongotea and District Lions

We were so pleased to also present The Volunteer Recognition Award at Government House. It’s an inaugural award, given for outstanding contributions to Child Cancer Foundation.  

This year it recognises the 18 years of support from the Rongotea and District Lions Club to our Manawatū Whānau Connect Group. 

Their involvement began in 2006 when they cooked hot chips at the local Christmas Party. Since then, their support has grown significantly, with the Lions not only dedicating their time and efforts at local events but also engaging in fundraising activities and helping our Whānau Connect volunteers organise and host events throughout the year in so many valuable ways. 

By the way, the Lions Organisation itself has an award called ‘The Kindness Matters Award’. This particular group of generous Lions have not only won it locally, regionally and nationally, but are also up for the international award at the World Lions Kindness Awards held in Berlin, all in recognition of how much they’ve helped us!  

Our congratulations to each and every one of them. 

Community Service Awards

Our mahi wouldn’t be possible without the support of incredible volunteers across New Zealand who give up their free time to help tamariki with cancer and their families. 

Please join us in congratulating the winners of our Community Service Awards: 

• Jill deBuisson: Valued Individual 

• MMD (Graham Dunn): Valued Business 

• Ferrari Owners Club – Wellington Chapter: Valued Business 

• Harley Owners Group – Wellington Chapter: Valued Business