Story: Walking for Mum

In March, Avelien Strickland took part in our Hospice Hero Challenge to honour her Mum, Yolanda, who passed away under the care of Waipuna Hospice in 2023.

In the middle of 2022, Yolanda experienced persistent stomach issues, initially dismissed as a gluten intolerance or an ulcer. However, as time went on, the discomfort only worsened.

“In December we were told Mum was diagnosed having stage 4 defused stomach cancer. There were limited treatment options, but she was determined to fight.”

First with chemotherapy and later with immunotherapy, Yolanda tried to prolong her time. But by mid-year, her quality of life had deteriorated significantly. Through it all, her biggest concern was her family. “Even during her battles, her focus was on everyone else. She wanted to make sure we were okay,” Avelien recalls.

Yolanda wished to remain at home for as long as possible, and Waipuna Hospice made that possible. With the help of her GP and Oncologist, they managed her pain and guided the family through their journey for nearly six months.

Her final days were peaceful. “While I hate that I had to say goodbye to mum, I’m pleased that I could be there with her in her final moments, to hold her hand and listen to her favourite songs together. Without the support of Waipuna Hospice, our experience could have been entirely different. Her final days were peaceful. Mum was strong in her beliefs and with Waipuna Hospice wrapped around her, Mum had a really peaceful departure. They made what was a really hard journey a little bit easier, and made us feel less alone. For that, I am so grateful.”

That gratitude led Avelien to take on the Hospice Hero Challenge in March. “I don’t understand why hospices aren’t fully funded by the government. It’s such a crucial time, not just for the person dying, but for the family left behind.” Knowing first-hand the impact of hospice care, she wanted to ensure other families received the same support.

Her challenge was simple: walk 10,000 steps a day. But for Avelien, it was about more than just fitness. It was about honouring her Mum’s legacy and giving back to her community.

“The past couple of years have been busy with the opening of the hotel and my parents’ health. As a result, I put my own health and wellness on the back burner. The Hospice Hero Challenge was an incredible opportunity to reset.”

Some days, she easily walked 18,000 steps; on others, she had to work hard to reach the 10,000-step goal. “The accountability of the challenge has been invaluable, keeping me motivated to persevere and reach my goal each day.”

It was a personal challenge but also a way to give back. “I couldn’t fault Mum’s journey with hospice. The support, both medical and emotional, was incredible. People don’t realise how much hospices help families, not just in the final days but throughout the entire process.”

Step by step, Avelien honoured her Mum’s memory while raising funds to support future hospice patients. And to anyone considering a challenge like this, she has one thing to say:

“Why not?”

“If you can find a challenge that aligns with your personal goals and supports your community at the same time, why not do it?”

Avelien’s commitment doesn’t stop there. She and her husband, Tere, own Quest Mt Maunganui, and as part of Quest’s national partnership with hospices across New Zealand, they actively support Waipuna Hospice through their business.

“Hospice care isn’t something you think about until you need it. But when you do, you realise just how invaluable it is,” she says. “If my challenge helps even one family, then it was all worth it.”