Getting by with a little help from your friends sounds simple, but when life takes a turn it can be hard to reach out. Enter Kelly Banks and Janine Williams of Support Crew, who’ve made asking for help – and getting it – easy for all
When Kelly Banks’ husband Randal was diagnosed with cancer midway through 2015, she suddenly took on the role of chief support person for her partner. Then after reading an article in NEXT that said everyone needed an organiser, a light bulb flicked on. Together with Janine Williams, the two created Support Crew, an online support platform that helps Kiwis give and get a hand. Randal has now been clear of cancer for 12 months, but this inspiring duo are only just getting started with their mission to educate, empower and support as many people as they can.
SHARING THE STRUGGLE.
When life throws us curve balls, it’s easy to say that we’re fine and try to keep on top of everything ourselves. Having gone through a three-year cancer journey with her husband, Kelly knows this feeling all too well, she juggled all of Randal’s treatments, surgeries, transport and meals on her own. Friends and family offered their support, but the challenge was bridging the gap between receiving a phone call and receiving some practical help. “I think fundamentally you’re overwhelmed and on autopilot – you don’t know what you need,” she says. “And also, we’re not good at asking for help.”
At first Kelly didn’t want Randal’s cancer to burden other people, but she soon realised that by letting others help, she was actually giving a gift to those people. She could see it was deeply rewarding for people to assist in a way that was truly needed, and it gave them a special part in the journey too.
This story is from the December 2018 edition of NEXT.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2018 edition of NEXT.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Caitlin Cady Shares Her Journey
Caitlin Cady always liked being in control, so the thought of meditating scared her. But once she sat down and let her thoughts leave her mind, it proved to be incredibly important to her health. She shares her journey
The Wright Direction
Back on home soil after her stint in NYC, Rebecca Wright shares with Monique McKenzie what she thinks the future holds for the US, and why she is proud of the positive role modelling New Zealand offers her young daughter
View From The Top
She’s just turned 50 and Hilary Barry is feeling happier and more comfortable in her own skin than ever before. The Seven Sharp host sits down with Phoebe Watt to talk about gratitude and why she won’t let the odd barb bring her down.
How To Magnify Your Meal
There are certain natural foods that offer higher nutrients than others, but how do we know which to choose? Anna King Shahab looks at how we can make choices that are backed by science.
My big BREAK
Sometimes things come together in ways we could never have imagined. Sharon Stephenson speaks to three Kiwi women about the pivotal moments that helped launch their careers and businesses to success
MOTHER AND SISTER
Linda Armstrong attended the Linwood Islamic Centre every Friday and on the day of the Christchurch mosque attack she confronted the shooter, asking him to stop. Now her daughter Angela Armstrong is going back over her mum’s footsteps to learn more about her conversion to Islam and the community she loved
The Acid Test For Anxiety
Microdosing involves taking tiny amounts of illegal psychedelic drugs such as LSD or magic Microdosing, the practice of taking tiny amounts of illegal psychedelic drugs, is being hailed by some as a new form of therapy. We separate the shamanism from the science in pursuit of the truth
Queen Of The Beehive
Tova O’Brien is living her career dream, leading Three’s all-female political team in parliament. She tells Sharon Stephenson about reporting from Europe’s hot spots, landing in jail, and what they really talk about in the press gallery
Passion Project: How To Write A Romance
Have you ever secretly thought you could be the next Nora Roberts or Diana Gabaldon? Award-winning Kiwi romance novelist Bronwyn Sell takes you through her 10-step plan
The End Game
Everyone has their own approach to goal setting, but do some work better than others? Monique McKenzie shares the methods that will help you get to where you want to be.
