Bernee Fransen is determined to help her beloved niece Nikita make as many memories with her five-year-old daughter as she can.
Nikita, who has lived in Australia since she was 20, was diagnosed with terminal cancer late last year. She has recently celebrated her 34th birthday.
“It’s pretty life-shattering really,” Bernee summarises starkly.
Bernee (Kāti Māmoe) plans to shave off her long silvery locks in solidarity with her niece and is hoping to raise $1000 through sponsorship, to help Nikita create some special memories and experiences with her daughter Avary.
A photo shoot, a mother-and-daughter manicure and a future 16th birthday present are some of the suggestions that the aunty has for her niece.
However, these things all cost money, “and when you haven’t got money, it makes it hard,” the 68-year-old says. “We’re just working-class people. We’re not rich people.”
Nikita had to give up her employment as a cleaning business owner, but as a New Zealander she is not entitled to any benefits in Australia, beyond health care.
Avery’s father lives in Australia and has taken over her primary caregiving, and Nikita’s mother Chrisea and fiancé Hayden help her as much as they can.
If the doctors have given Nikita a timeframe, “she’s not saying,” Bernee says, but she does not believe that her niece will see Christmas.
“This has sort of just crept up on her,” Bernee says. “She’s at that stage now where she’s lost all her hair, and she’s just making memories.”
The cancer has metastasised, spreading to her bones, kidneys and liver. The young mother recently fractured her spine by just bending over to pick up her daughter. She is having life-lengthening treatments, but “it’s gone pretty rampant”.
Bernee, who has worked at Motueka’s RSA for almost 25 years, is living with her own diagnosis. About 18 months ago, she was told she had terminal emphysema.
“I still have moments when I go down the beach and have a damn good bawl, but it’s okay,” she says. She reckons that people have been very good to her, and she has a great support system in Motueka. I don’t want to sit around and wait for it, and my niece doesn’t want to sit around and wait for it either. She’s a beautiful wahine toa, and I tell her that every day.”
Bernee says that her hair will come off when the total hits $1000, or by Sunday, 11 May – whichever comes first.
“I think the people of Motueka – we’re a pretty giving lot,” she says. “We don’t mind doing something for other people, if it’s for a good cause.”
To help Bernee in her quest to raise money for Nikita, contact the RSA in person or by calling 03 528 9777 to make a pledge. Bernee has also established a bank account for the cause, so deposits can be made directly to BA Fransen, 11-7426-0009178-25.
