Mereheeni Hooker doesn't use the words terminal cancer. And if you looked at the huge smile on her face at tonight's Pink Walk you can see where her positive attitude to fight her cancer is coming from.
She was one of about 2000 people who dressed in pink to take part in the annual Pink Walk at the Village Green.
Some were breast cancer survivors, some sufferers and others were there to help raise money and awareness for the disease that affects one in nine New Zealand women.
Mereheeni Hooker said the Pink Walk gives her strength to fight the disease. Photo/Ben Fraser
This year was an extra special Pink Walk, as the popular event celebrated its 10th anniversary.
It was hoped up to $15,000 would be raised from Pink Walk registrations, donations and sales of 10th anniversary memorabilia.
For Mrs Hooker, taking part inspired her to keep going.
The Runaway Brides take part in the Pink Walk. Photo/Ben Fraser
She was first diagnosed in February 2009, finished treatment in February last year and in February this year suffered a relapse. She has what is called metastatic cancer, which means the cancer has spread throughout her body.
"You've heard the saying, you can't kill weeds, well I am a noxious weed and I ain't going anywhere anytime soon."
Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust acting chairwoman Sarah Davies has taken on the role of organising the event since previous chairwoman Viv Kermode died two months ago from cancer.
She said Mrs Kermode would have been proud of tonight's event.
Image 1 of 12: Pink Walk. Mereheeni Hooker (right) said the Pink Walk gives her strength to fight the disease. Photo/Ben Fraser
"I know she would have been blown away. There seems to be more hype this year because it is the 10th."
Rotorua mother Carey Young took part with her partner and twin daughters. She was diagnosed in 2015 with breast cancer when her daughters were 2. She had treatment and is now a survivor.
Her mother is a breast cancer survivor but her grandmother died from it.
She likes to take part in the Pink Walk because it helps people realise they are not alone.
Pink Walk. Photo/Ben Fraser
Miss Young said since her diagnosis, she's tried to change the way she lived.
"I've quit my job and got a house bus. I'm definitely trying to take stress out of the equation and it has made us re-evaluate family time and take time out for ourselves."
Bea Yates, affectionately known as "Aunty Bea", said she had been involved with the Pink Walk since the beginning.
"Tonight we remember the ones who have passed but we give strength to the ones going through treatment."
