The “bright light” behind the bar at Stoke’s Turf Hotel is determined to beat a terminal cancer diagnosis, and the community is jumping on board to support her.
Sami Turner has been a loyal pint pourer and listening ear to punters at The Turf Hotel for nine years, but in June her world turned upside down.
Sami says she has suffered from chest infections on and off for years, and a particularly nasty bout of what she thought was pneumonia earlier this year is how she was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
The diagnosis left 33-year-old Sami in a state of shock. She later found out the cancer had metastasised to her brain and liver, along with bones in her spine, ribs and clavicle.
“At the start it was scary,” she says. “But I’ve got age on my side, and the power of positive thinking.”
Sami is undertaking targeted therapy, which means she takes medication once a day and no chemotherapy needed, she says.
“I take it every morning for the last three months and it’s already showing good improvements.”
“Sami’s always been the bright light behind the bar at The Turf - bubbly, full of life, and loved by everyone who met her,” says The Turf Hotel publican Stan Holland.
It’s clear to see Sami is indeed a bright light, her smile still firmly planted on her face.
“True to form, she’s still smiling, still positive, and still focused on winning the battle,” Stan says.
Last weekend the Turf hosted one of many fundraisers over the last few months, which saw six brave supporters take to the stage to shave their hair – including Sami’s colleague Arina Riley.
And Stan? While he didn’t brave the clippers, he is instead sporting a new bright pink hairdo.
The Turf has raised $15,000 to support Sami and her family, which includes her two children aged 4 and 10.
“It’s overwhelming the support in this community.”
She says, everyone asks when she will be coming back behind the bar.
Clearly missed, Sami’s answer is simple: “Soon, I love this place and the people, it’s just like another home.”
A recent follow-up scan shows the cancer in her brain and liver is now small enough that it can’t be detected, the lungs are less patchy and the clavicle and ribs are showing signs of healing, while the spine is stable.
“It is possible. It’s a miracle drug, it’s only been funded since January, I’m so thankful it became fully-funded before I needed it,” she says.
While Sami says it is known to stop working further down the track, she is staying positive with where she is at in her journey.
She says, she noticed instantly the headaches stopped and she just felt better.
“I feel like me again, I have days where I’m tired, but I’m focussing on well-being and getting better, and my kids, that’s the biggest thing for me – making memories. My boy is four, he doesn’t understand, but my daughter, she’s 10 and she’s on to it.”
Sami is thankful for all the people who have come forward to offer help.
“I didn’t even think I knew these people, or had made an impact, but its amazing.”
The terminal diagnosis has meant Sami has been able to access her Kiwisaver, which so far has purchased a portable spa for the backyard to help her stay relaxed and spend time with her kids.
“I’m probably not going to need it when I’m 65, so might as well have some fun now with the kids,” she says.
They are also planning a family trip away.
“It’s weird, my life now with cancer seems more stress free – it’s like it clicks you into living in the now, it’s more of just making those memories and just being happy and just day by day.”
And as for the word terminal?
“I’ll beat it,” she says firmly.
Any offers of support can be directed to the Turf Hotel in Stoke.
