Natalie Murphy

Aucklander Natalie Murphy discovered a lump in her breast in July 2009, but as she was pregnant with her first son, Jackson, it was attributed to a blocked milk duct. Because of this, Natalie wasn't diagnosed with breast cancer until early last year, and was told in March 2010 that with chemotherapy she could live for a further two to five years.

In the past few weeks her story has been featured by multiple newspapers and other news outlets across the country. On 5 December she wrote on her website that she had just weeks to live, and many people began donating to help her young family. Wedding ceremony supplies were also donated, as Natalie made plans with her husband of 10 years, Greg, to renew their wedding vows this coming New Year.

Sadly this was not to be, as Greg announced on Natalie's Facebook page yesterday that she had died at 35 years old. I didn't know her, have never met her, but everything I've seen and read about her makes it clear she was just an ordinary Kiwi mum with an incredible spirit and amazing attitude towards battling such a cruel disease.

If you have a few moments, take the time to listen to a radio interview with Natalie broadcast just ten days ago here, and read about her experiences written in her own words on her website.

"It sounds cliché, but don't take your life for granted. Days shouldn't be lost or thrown away thinking we have endless buckets of them. I'm not being morbid, we just don't know what's around the corner. We always think 'the really bad things' happen to everyone else, not to us. But we are 'everyone else'. We all have to appreciate our life. It's a blessing. If there is something you have always wanted to do, go and do it! Make it happen. Make the most of everyday. Stop making excuses. Stop and smell the roses. Watch the sunset. Watch the sunrise. 

One of my favourite sayings is now my life's motto… 

Life is not about the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away. 

You've been told, with love."

Image source.