When Heeni Hoterene was diagnosed with stage four terminal cancer, she had a choice to make – accept the diagnosis or fight it to the end using her knowledge as a maramataka expert to map out her healing. Maramataka refers to the Māori lunar calendar and the practise of planning accordinginly.
Heeni is one of Aotearoa’s most renowned and respected experts, sharing wisdom daily with her more than 70,000 followers online.
“When I was diagnosed two years ago, I knew I was sick,” recalls Heeni, 49. “My stomach had swelled right up and I was having heavy bleeding. I fainted twice and my children had to ring for an ambulance in the middle of the night.
“But it was still quite a shock to be diagnosed with terminal cancer. It started in my uterus and spread to my lymph nodes, stomach and spine.”
The Northland mother-of-four clearly remembers those first nights, worrying about her tamariki, Karirikura, 14, Otane, 13, Keteriki, 11, and Oenuku, six, and what was to come.
“I could feel the walls closing in. It was very scary, terrifying and I didn’t know what to do. The second night it happened again, but I decided, ‘I’m not going to live in this fear.’”
In that moment, Heeni reminded herself of the things she believed in – being Māori and maramataka.
Esta historia es de la edición July 03, 2023 de New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 03, 2023 de New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
No-sew TASSEL CUSHION
Refresh your living space with this nifty number - no expertise required!
Ashia Singer's zingers! 'COOKING MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER'
The talented mum has the recipe for life’s ups and downs – and they’re all delicious
June to-do list FILL UP ON FRUIT
There’s still plenty to do outside – sett le in your citrus and plant up the pots!
Matt's healing journey 'I'M MY OWN CHEERLEADER NOW'
The radio star fought his way out of sadness and is now sharing his secrets
SLOW & steady
Let time be the secret ingredient with these melt-in-your-mouth meals
Rhino queen Jamie MARGOT MADE ME A WILD OFFER!
Hollywood has its sights set on the anti-poacher
FINAL FLING
Signs show the marriage is over
Royal rebels 'WE'RE DOING THINGS OUR WAY'
Zara and Mike are calling all the shots as they contemplate staying in the real world or helping out the House of Windsor
Dame Hinewehi Mohi 'I SEE MIRACLES EVERY DAY'
The singer looks back at her proudest moments and the girl who inspires it all
Wax lyrical SHINE BRIGHT
We're not blowing smoke! These easy projects will light up your rooms in a jiffy