Hope and Support for New Zealanders with Advanced Breast Cancer.

The Hugh Green Foundation has committed $1.2 million over six years to enable Sweet Louise to provide high quality, personalised care and support to every New Zealanders with incurable breast cancer, and to secure the long-term sustainability of the service.
Sweet Louise is described by members as essential to their well-being and a crucial support system. Beyond the practical and emotional support, Sweet Louise ensures individuals feel the care and compassion of the wider community – emphasising that they are not alone. One member described Sweet Louise as “the warm hug you need on the hardest day”, reflecting the profound difference this support makes to individuals and families during the most difficult time of their lives.

Member numbers continue to grow, with Sweet Louise now supporting 820 members and their families across New Zealand. The average length of membership has grown to 4.1 years and 99% of members say they would recommend the service to others.

The Foundation’s support has ensured every member receives regular one-to-one time with a dedicated Support Coordinator. The Tamariki Time programme, which helps members with young children create precious family memories, has been expanded with more than 200 families now taking part. It has also enabled Sweet Louise to double its emergency assistance with over 100 families receiving food and petrol vouchers to help ease the financial burden of their diagnosis.

Sweet Louise has also carried out research into the particular needs of younger members, developing targeted support for young mothers as this group continues to grow. Local teams have been strengthened in areas where members previously had less access to support, so that every New Zealander facing this diagnosis can get the help they need, wherever they live.

“Sweet Louise is life changing. It’s an organisation you don’t know you need until you have them by your side. My life would be so much more challenging without Sweet Louise.”