Courageous triplet loses cancer fight

Sally Ainley (right) with Alison and Emma. Photo / NZ Listener

A young woman who captured the hearts of her schoolmates and community has lost her fight with cancer.

Sally Ainley, 20, died early on Saturday after battling her illness for nearly three years. She and sisters Emma and Alison were identical triplets.

Yesterday afternoon, her Facebook page was filled with messages and tributes from her friends.

The former Mt Albert Grammar School student was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in 2007 after she noticed pain and swelling in her shoulder while playing lacrosse.

By the time it was found, the cancer had already spread to her lungs.

MAGS students raised $9000 for her by dyeing their hair and wearing brightly coloured tights.

The Fluoro Day was the most successful single-day fundraiser the school had held. Ms Ainley couldn't be present but her sisters took photos for her.

Associate principal Paul McKinley remained in close contact with the family and said yesterday that Ms Ainley, a keen athlete, tried to live her life as normally as possible.

She wanted to be an occupational therapist and completed one year of study at AUT, where she achieved high grades. "She had get up and go."

She travelled to Beijing for the Olympics and, despite losing movement in her arm, got her driver's licence.

Mr McKinley said Ms Ainley was heavily involved with CanTeen and organised the youth cancer group's first fun-run.

Her cancer relapsed in November, but he said she was always courageous and had a real passion for life.

Last night, the Mt Albert Grammar website reported that just two months ago, Ms Ainley was still positive about the future. "At a fundraiser for the Child Cancer Foundation, she explained, 'I've always learnt not to dwell and to never give up'."

The Facebook tributes included one from friend Jasmine Todd. "You are the kind of friend that would change someone's life by just being part of it. You are beautiful inside and out. I'll never forget our walks home and how you would make me laugh and not stop. You are wonderful Sally."

Debbie Hopper said she was a determined and inspirational young woman. "Your desire to achieve in the face of adversity was a beacon of hope, dispelling the darkest of shadows."

Amanda Butler wrote she would "always remember the mischief we got up to, especially in Spanish class".

Jade Bradley said Ms Ainley was an amazing, passionate person who touched a lot of people. "You had an awesome zest for life."

Charlotte Tait said she would "live on forever through people's hearts and the changes you made in people by just knowing them".

Alice Michael described Ms Ainley as "such a light in our lives and such an inspiration ... Keep smiling brightly from heaven and I will see you again."

In an interview with the Listener in 2008, Ms Ainley joked she planned to have two husbands - the second one for keeps - and two kids.

"I'm not greedy," she said. "I'm not asking for 80 years, just 60 from the time of the diagnosis. So pretty soon that goes down to 59."