Sandra and Tim Parker help run the Brain Tumour Support NZ monthly online support group as well as regularly volunteering at BTSNZ fundraising events. They live in Waikanae, just north of Wellington, but are soon to move to Petone. Sandra and Tim have been together for four years and married for three. Sandra works as a payroll administrator and Tim as a mental health support worker.

How did you first get involved with volunteering for Brain Tumour Support NZ?
Two days after getting engaged in Blenheim, Tim collapsed getting off the plane in Wellington and ended up at Wellington Hospital where he was diagnosed with two benign menigiomas. These were surgically removed four days later. At the time it was a huge shock and we had trouble finding any information and support (as BTSNZ did not exist yet). After our experience we both wanted to give something back and help other people going through their own brain tumour journey. A couple of years after his surgery, Tim found BTSNZ on Facebook and emailed the chair Mandy Bathan.

Tell us a little about what you do at BTSNZ
We first became Support Friends [the peer support service run by Brain Tumour Support NZ] helping a young Wellington family going through their own brain tumour journey. Following that, Mandy asked if we would be interested in helping run the monthly online support group meetings (along with Vicky Gaunt). The online support group is a great way to share stories with fellow brain tumour patients, get support from members of the group and hear from guest speakers that come along. We are also involved in fundraising activities such as selling raffle tickets and helping at special events such as the recent high tea in Wellington and Kate Coatsworth’s Beating The Track for Brain Cancer walk to raise money for the charity. Sandra is also planning on selling her handmade cards with all proceeds going to Brain Tumour Support NZ.

What do you enjoy about volunteering?
Getting involved and giving back to the community so that hopefully no one else finds that there is a lack of information and support when going through their own journey.

What advice would you give to others who are thinking about volunteering for BTSNZ?
Go for it – its a great organisation to be involved with!

What motivates you to stay volunteering for BTSNZ?
It is such a rewarding experience and to know that in some small way you are helping to make a difference.

What’s surprised you most about volunteering for BTSNZ?
How willing everyone is to share their story in order to help others going through a similar situation. What a privilege it is to share with others.

What are your favourite pastimes or hobbies?
Spending time with friends and family and hanging out together. Sandra is passionate about all things crafty (particularly card making). Tim on the other hand watches sport on TV and drinks beer while Sandra crafts.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
Sandra: “We had our engagement party in a glass house!”
Tim: “I lived for a year in a traditional village in Vanuatu doing volunteer youth work where the village elders tried to have me married off.”

What’s the last book you read?
Sandra: “An audio book, “Jack Reacher – The Enemy”. I like listening to audio books during my hour long train journey to and from work.”
Tim: “Bill Bryson’s “Notes From a Small Island”.”

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sandra: “Roast pork with apple sauce and roast vegies. Apple crumble for dessert.”
Tim: “Anything that Sandra cooks rather than something that I have tried to cook myself!”