ASB Good as Gold is an ASB initiative recognising, rewarding and helping wonderful people in our community. We ask the public to nominate people who are making a real difference in their community, have grabbed hold of life against the odds or who really deserve help in a time of hardship. The recipients are featured on TV One’s Seven Sharp programme.
We received this heartfelt nomination from Danielle, who was previously a fiercely independent 25 year old lawyer, but is now battling the rarest form of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer. The nomination was not for herself but for her parents Bruce and Kimberly who have put their own lives on hold and made many sacrifices to emotionally, physically and financially support Danielle during her treatment this year. This included moving house to a more suitable location to aid Danielle’s recovery, endless meals and company at the hospital during treatment, even caring for Danielle’s cat who was hit by a car and needed expensive veterinary treatment. Then Danielle’s grandmother required support following her hip replacement and also moved into the home. Kimberly has become a fulltime caregiver and Bruce is self-employed and now supporting the extended family financially too.
Danielle says “My parents are, in my opinion, the most deserving people on the planet! They have worked tirelessly, put their lives on hold and sacrificed without ever asking anything in return, all to ensure that I have all the care I need during this difficult time. But, after almost a year of caring for me and about 9 months into my diagnosis, Mum and Dad are starting to get tired - they need a holiday! Dad works extremely hard to make sure we never go without, but in all honesty it doesn't leave much for my parents to take any real time for themselves. I so badly want to show them how much I appreciate their continued and unwavering love and support.”
And we agree with Danielle, so we have surprised Bruce and Kimberly with return flights to Europe and $2,000 spending money for a much needed break. We hope you can recharge your own batteries and enjoy your holiday together.