Meet Lucy

With a background in social service and health science, Lucy is driven to make a difference and honoured to be there for children and families during difficult times.  

No two weeks are the same for Lucy, but her goal remains constant—providing empathetic care for families on their journey, no matter how tough it gets, every step of the way. Here’s what she had to say about her mahi at Child Cancer Foundation. 

What made you want to be a family support coordinator?  

I have always been interested in health and relationship-based support work. My previous employment in Wellington hospital was a new initiative at the time called AWHI. This was a support worker role that involved resettling elderly persons back at home once discharged. AWHI in te reo Māori means to support, care for and embrace – in other words, to help or support others. I loved this role, and it opened my eyes even more to how reaching out and supporting people at a difficult time can really make a huge difference in a person’s or whānau’s life. Working for the Child Cancer Foundation and alongside families going through one of the hardest times of their lives is a privilege and embraces the same care and support motivation.  

What does a typical week look like in your job?  

A typical week in my work involves never being a typical week! I have quite a few families on my caseload, all at different stages of their treatment protocol with varying needs and requirements. Balancing empathetic support with strengths-based empowerment helps families navigate and embrace resources when often everything seems numb and out of control. Sharing the ‘Beads of Courage’ programme with a child is always a weekly highlight. These special beads acknowledge the journey a child is on and the immense courage and strength their journey requires.  

What fuels your passion for your work?  

Knowing what a difference our organisation can have on a family affected by cancer and supporting them so they can trust we are here to work alongside them in a safe and empathic environment is what fuels my passion to work here. Families are always appreciative of the service Child Cancer Foundation provides and often not aware of what is available to them to help work through probably the most challenging time of their lives.  

What is the most challenging part of your job?  

The most challenging part of my job is always around loss and navigating how I can be available for a family at a time of deep grief. Just ‘being’ and not ‘doing’ is often what’s required from me, along with listening to what is needed and gently responding in an appropriate way for the family. Every family is unique in their way of coping and grief is an individual experience.  

What makes you the right person to support the children and families you work with?  

I am one of many people in this organisation who are kind and caring in their support for families. I think my own strengths in this field are from being empathic and always striving to let the family guide me into how they want to be supported with the tools we provide. Being available and having time as a neutral, nonjudgmental sounding board for families helps me learn something from every family I care for.  

How do you maintain a good work/life balance?  

I am very grateful for the supported flexible working environment we have that helps maintain a work-life balance. My three daughters have grown up into beautiful, kind caring adults who I am very proud of, and I now have a granddaughter who helps keep me on my toes. I love to walk on the beach with my dog Frankie and enjoy mountain biking around NZ tracks with friends and family.  

What do you think families appreciate most about what you do?  

I think what families appreciate most about what I do is knowing that an organisation like ours is available to them, and we can be there for them to unload and talk freely with no strings attached. Often families find it hard to talk with family members or friends as it can be very emotional, but with a family support coordinator it can be uncomplicated.