Sweet Louise launched its collection of creative writing by Members entitled Oysters for Lunch at a gala Christmas fundraising event held at Auckland’s Pah Homestead on 4 December. The event also celebrated the five-year anniversary of Sweet Louise.
Over 150 guests gathered for an evening of fine food and wine, fabulous auctions and raffles, inspiring performances by soloists from The NBR Opera NZ, carol singing and readings from Oysters for Lunch.
Twenty-two women living with secondary breast cancer contributed their work to the book, including BCAC committee member Jenny Williams and Anne Hayden, well known to BCAC members through her efforts to see Herceptin funded for early stage HER2 positive breast cancer.
The women participated in a year-long creative writing project (supported by The Max Foundation and Roche) and guided by writer and editor Jane Bissell (Welcome to the Amazon Club, The Pink Party). Beginning in October 2010, the writers were asked to share their experiences, thoughts and feelings about life with secondary cancer, encouraged by participation in creative writing workshops, email writing exercises and critiques.
Sweet Louise brought the writers, with partners or caregivers, together for the evening, flying them in from throughout New Zealand. Auckland’s Crowne Plaza Hotel donated rooms for their overnight stay and Giltrap provided transport to and from the venue. Six writers have passed away since the project began and were represented by family members.
Five women read from their work at the event. The heartfelt, personal truths of the poems and stories described both the daily challenges of life with secondary cancer and the positive difference Sweet Louise can make. The depth of emotion was keenly felt by all of the guests attending and reflected by the warmth and ambience of the evening, offering a poignant reminder that life is precious and each day is a gift.
Sweet Louise CEO Sue Brewster said, “I’m not quite sure ‘amazing’ is the right word but all of the women who contributed their stories and poems are a true inspiration for us. The stories came with a variety of themes and are told through tears and laughter but one message is very clear: life is to be embraced, lived to the fullest and always, always make sure you cherish the times with your loved ones.”
Oysters for Lunch is available on the Sweet Louise shop for $20 which includes postage within NZ. All sale proceeds go directly towards the provision of Sweet Louise services and support.
