Matt Truman up for Young New Zealander of the Year

MEDIA RELEASE
January 19, 2010

CanTeen’s Matt Truman up for Young New Zealander of the Year

Young New Zealander of the Year finalist Matt Truman says a brain tumour, which has left him legally blind and partially deaf, has been the catalyst to recognising his full potential in life.

Matt, immediate past president of CanTeen, the organisation supporting young people living with cancer, is hoping his nomination will help young New Zealanders to know that despite obstacles, life should always be lived to the full.

“When I started my cancer journey I questioned what I could do in life. Through being part of CanTeen and taking on the sorts of roles that I have had within the organisation, I quickly realised that I can achieve a lot in life.

“Life serves up some crap stuff sometimes, but it is how we react to this that determines the outcome. We can take the next smallest step to create a happier life for ourselves.”

CanTeen’s GM Marketing and Fundraising Brad Clark says Matt embodies the true spirit of the organisation and lives the CanTeen values.

“With our core premise of peer support and empowering young people, Matt stands out as an inspirational leader for our organisation.

He says CanTeen is extremely thankful to Matt for his leadership, having helped so many young kiwis through some of the toughest times in their lives.

“Having overcome significant obstacles in his own cancer journey to become our national president, he shows other members and young New Zealanders that life is to be lived to the full and giving back has its own rewards.”

Matt, who is 25 years old and lives in Christchurch, says he has been humbled by the experience. 

“It is amazing to think I’ve had an impact on so many people. CanTeen has given me so much over the years.  I truly believe in the work CanTeen does and what it achieves, when passion is there for a cause you can’t help but get involved.”

The winners of the New Zealander of the Year Awards will be announced at a gala awards presentation dinner in the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Auckland on Wednesday 3rd February.
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