Kiwi cancer survivors tell their stories

Media Release

9 July 2007

He Oranga He Oranga Healing Journeys Launch: Kiwi cancer survivors tell their stories

A new feature documentary following the stories of New Zealand cancer survivors will be launched in Wellington this Wednesday.

Commissioned by the Cancer Society of New Zealand, He Oranga He Oranga Healing Journeys documents the inspirational journeys of 11 cancer survivors - from their devastating diagnosis, through coming to terms with the news, and their amazing stories of hope and survival

With one in three New Zealanders affected by cancer, chief executive of the Cancer Society, Dalton Kelly, says the film provides personal accounts of what to expect and how to get through for everyone affected.

“It is the first national film of its kind, bringing together New Zealanders who have been through all types of cancer,” he says.

As better treatments and detection methods have emerged, the cancer survival rate in New Zealand is now around seven out of ten.

“We wanted to dispel the myth that a diagnosis of cancer is a death sentence and, although there is a lot we don’t yet know about it, these stories show us there is every reason to believe you can survive cancer.”

The film’s warm, real-life characters tell their own amazing stories, set against breathtaking backdrops of New Zealand landscapes and a soundtrack of traditional Maori and Celtic music and contemporary waiata.

Healing Journeys was produced by renowned Christchurch filmmaker Kathleen Gallagher, of WickCandle Film. The one-off special launch preview is at The Paramount Theatre, Wellington on Wednesday 11 July at 6.30pm.

The film will also be shown at film festivals and special screenings around the country and is available on DVD from Wednesday 11 July. To order a copy, contact the Cancer Society order line on 04 494 7199 or email admin@cancer.org.nz.

ENDS

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