Cancer Support New Zealand is now the home of the Look Good Feel Better
Kellee describes her cancer experience as a “massive pause button” on life.
A shock diagnosis at her first mammogram quickly turned into a world of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, endless appointments, fatigue, and changes to her body.
“The fear and loss of control turns everything upside down,” she says. “If you fight it, it can really pull you down. I didn’t want sadness to define me.”
Instead, she focused on rebuilding a sense of self.
“How do I still feel like me? How do I feel strong, and even beautiful, in a different way?”
Support from Cancer Support NZ became part of that shift. She attended a skincare and makeup session with her mum.
“It was a break from panic. Just sitting together, learning how to draw eyebrows back on, talking about something completely normal. It felt really special.”
She says being in a room with others who “just get it” made a big difference.
“Even with great support around you, it can be a lonely journey. In those classes, you don’t have to explain anything. That connection is everything.”
There were also deeply personal family moments along the way — an impromptu hair-cutting ceremony, and when her hair began to fall out, her nephew shaved it off and even cut his own mullet in solidarity.
“Having those moments of laughter, tears, and love helped me through.”
Kellee kept working as a store manager up until her sixth cycle of chemotherapy, determined to hold onto normal life for as long as she could.
Through Cancer Support NZ, she also discovered practical tools that helped day to day — from scarf styling and skin care tips, to exercise classes, Qigong, and even simple advice like how to pack a chemo bag.
“Those little things gave me back a sense of control when everything felt overwhelming.”
She now reflects on the experience as both brutal and unexpectedly transformative.
“I’ve learned I can do more than I ever thought possible. The support, encouragement and care helped me find the strength I didn’t know I had.”
“Cancer during my life doesn’t define me — but it has changed me. And I’m grateful for the people who helped me through it.”
