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Honoured for Services to the Cancer Society
Congratulations to our Wellington Division colleague Fiona Pearson who was recently presented with the Insignia of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit by Governor-General, Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand for services to the Cancer Society.
Fiona’s citation reads, ‘Ms Pearson has contributed to cancer support and information services for cancer patients for more than 23 years in Wellington and nationally. She is regarded as a leader and innovator within cancer organisations in New Zealand and beyond.
Ms Pearson established the first meetings for health professionals on psychosocial oncology, which resulted in the establishment of Psycho-Oncology New Zealand. She was a member of the expert working group in supportive care for the Cancer Control Strategy New Zealand, and continues to provide leadership for the Cancer Society nationally around reducing inequalities with a focus on Maori.
Ms Pearson initiated the first Cancer Society programme of psycho-social support for patients and families, which has evolved into a broad range of supportive care options for the cancer community. In collaboration with others this now includes a cancer information service, counselling, educative opportunities, patients’ networks, wellness programmes and survivorship care amongst services for patients following cancer treatments. She has been instrumental in the development within New Zealand of the Living Well programme, Cancer Connect, Cancer Voices, Cancer ChatNZ, CanSupport, CanTalk Newsletter and other targeted resources. In the last decade Ms Pearson has spear-headed Cancer Update, an annual week-long series of expert seminars and lectures for oncology health professionals and the general public.’
The Wellington Division is very proud of Fiona’s achievements and also grateful that her many years of dedicated service have been recognised and honoured by the presentation of this award.
Caption to read: Fiona Pearson with The Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand at the Conclusion of the Investiture Ceremonies, Government House Wellington
Wellington gratefully acknowledge the support of these organisations:
