Photo: 123rf
Cancer care advocate Melissa Vining reveals her family has yet again been touched by the disease.
She made the revelation to Susie while speaking out about the number of patients who have come forward to her with letters outlining longer than expected wait times to access services in Southland.
Melissa and Blair Vining Photo: RNZ/ Karen Brown
Her husband Blair died just over 5 years ago now of bowel cancer, after receiving his diagnosis - and a letter of his own which said he would have to wait 12 weeks to see an oncologist - when he was given less time to live.
The couple dedicated the last 11 months of Blair's life to improving cancer care for all New Zealanders.
