"I wanted a short, pink dress that had lace around the shoulders to cover up my scars and radiation burns," says the brave breast cancer survivor.
"But I ended up getting the opposite! I decided I was going to show my warrior scars and show what cancer is all about. This vow renewal was about celebrating life and celebrating love. I got my dream dress, a princess-cut, poofy white dress that shows all my scars!"
Madelein, 40, was over the moon when she won a Woman's Day competition to renew her vows to soulmate Jan, 44, in a gorgeous ceremony held on the Royal Princess cruise ship.
It's been a tough time for the Auckland primary school teacher, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in May last year and underwent a partial mastectomy. Unfortunately, the procedure didn't get all of the cancer, so she had a second surgery where the lymph nodes under her left arm were also removed.
This story is from the February 25, 2024 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand.
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 February 25, 2024 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand.
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
Jaden's Paraly mpic dream LOWE IT TO MYSELF'
The record-breaking wheelchair racer isn't letting his disability hold him back
Peak PERFECTION
Fiona Connolly discovers California's winter wonderland Mammoth Lakes is just as magical in summer
HOW TO BUDGET LIKE A LEGEND
Business specialist Cameron Wislang offers his five top tips for managing your money
JUDGE JAY-JAY
More FM radio diva Jay-Jay Feeney delivers her verdict on your biggest dilemmas
JJ'S DREAM COME TRUE 'GETTING MARRIED BROUGHT US CLOSER!'
The Friends Like Her actress and her cinematographer husband are a perfect match
MARGOT'S SWEET MISSION
Her act of kindness has brightened up lives
SECRET CANCER BATTLE
The reality TV stars are ready for anything now Emily's survived a terrifying health crisis
SHORTY STARS MARRIAGE DRAMA
After six months of wedded bliss, these acting talents are mixing business with pleasure
SURI'S READY TO TELL ALL!
As his daughter turns 18, Tom Cruise is worried she's about to spill his family secrets
MICHELLE & MARTY'S MAGIC ENGAGEMENT
After a surprise proposal, the Highlanders rugby star and the TVNZ reporter share their romantic love story