Graeme Horo is a data analyst from Wellington who started volunteering for Brain Tumour Support NZ in early 2021. Graeme uses his skills in marketing and website maintenance to help with the management of the BTSNZ website. He is also a valuable member of our Support Friend team where he supports people going through a brain tumour diagnosis.

Tell us a little about your background

Born and bred in Titahi Bay, Wellington, I should probably be a decent surfer but unfortunately not. If I can’t touch the sea floor I’m out! I hung up the rugby boots after a decade of playing 8080s, which I really enjoyed, so now to stay fit I run a few laps around my suburb a couple of times a week. I enjoy travelling to new countries, exploring different cultures and trying new foods. I've worked in marketing as a data analyst throughout my career, and my grand plan is to win Lotto and retire early – wish me luck!

How did you first get involved with volunteering for Brain Tumour Support NZ?

I had a friend that did the Queenstown half marathon between her first and second brain surgeries a couple years back to raise awareness of brain tumours, which was really inspiring. It really made me think I’ve gone through my surgeries and I haven’t given anything back. That was my motivation to get involved.

Then I heard about Kate Coatsworth's walk in Wellington raising money for Brain Tumour Support NZ, so I went along for the walk. From there I got to meet [BTSNZ trustees] Mandy, Chris and John. After a coffee catch up with Chris and learning more about BTSNZ, I was all in!

Tell us a little about what you do at BTSNZ
With a background in marketing and managing website content, it made sense to focus my contribution to BTSNZ around those skills. I volunteer my time for BTSNZ by assisting the team in keeping the website up to date and building out the content, which I really enjoy. I also make myself available as a Support Friend to anyone who wants to chat, to let you know what my experience was so that you feel informed and not alone.

What do you enjoy about volunteering?
When I was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015 BTSNZ didn’t exist so there was very little support specifically for brain tumour patients. Because my tumour was cancerous I was able to reach out to the NZ Cancer Society for support and counselling. I learned that because many brain tumours aren’t cancerous, people don’t get the support they need. This really opened my eyes and motivated me to get involved and help in any way. Like all charities, we only exist because of the amazing people that come together to create what BTSNZ is today.

What advice would you give to others who are thinking about volunteering for BTSNZ?
Volunteering is so important with a lot of charities reliant on volunteers to help keep them going, so whatever time you have to commit, from raising money, to marching at Parliament, to assisting with or creating an event, we’d love to have you on board!

What motivates you to stay volunteering for BTSNZ?
Knowing that many people unfortunately are going to either know someone or might themselves be diagnosed with a brain tumour makes me want to stay involved and make the website a useful tool in helping someone navigate this scary experience. BTSNZ exists so that everyone has a place to turn to ask questions, look for resources and to get in touch. I have first-hand experience of CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, radiotherapy, hair loss, brain surgeries (yet multiple) it is life shattering to say the least. I’m so fortunate that my diagnosis changed over the year and I had a successful third surgery. I see my scar in the mirror every day which reminds me that life is short. I want to be here, to help others.

What’s surprised you most about volunteering for BTSNZ?
There’s no pressure on you, its all about helping when you can. When they get touch to assist, it’s only if you are able to: “Hey guys & gals are anyone of you out there able to assist with...” But if you think of a chance to raise money and create an event let us know!

What’s the last book you read?
I’m not going to lie, I don’t like to read, before or after my brain surgery. But post-surgery the last book I read was “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a !@#$”. Kind of explains where my priorities are these days and what I care about. I don’t want anyone in life to have to go through cancer to get that perspective. Life is short, live it! If I could go back to being 21, I would have travelled young.

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Roast chicken with all the trimmings washed down with a cold American Pale Ale. With a second beer and serving of leftovers an hour later. Yum.