Lisa Bell

Here in New Zealand, we are falling behind the rest of the world when it comes to cancer care, treatment and options. It can be overwhelming and is a road filled with many obstacles. Standard care in New Zealand lacks the basics of many Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries.

Terri Conneran. Photos by Emily Rheinbolt.

Terri has helped me, a patient with unknown stage 3C (possibly now stage 4), understand the mechanics of my mutation, introduced me to a range of professionals in the Asia-Pacific area and encouraged me to fight for basic care in a proactive and positive way. I would not have been able to navigate this journey without her. She emails me, and we had a Zoom call that was amazing and filled me with hope. When I was feeling lost and despondent, she reminded me that I was full of strength and that I had the control over my learning, my research and my ability to do everything I can to change my path and the path for others.

As a patient advocate, Terri is a global powerhouse and pillar of strength, and I hope she will be recognized for all that she does and continues to do. I feel she is a bridge between patients, oncologists and researchers and brings everyone together. She does this with empathy and kindness.

I was navigating my cancer journey without a map — and Terri gave me one to help me find direction. Terri Conneran is my lung cancer hero!

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Articles

A patient with lung cancer explains how Terri Conneran, a patient advocate, helped her understand her disease and fight for proper care in a country with less options.

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