Courageous mum Natalie Murphy loses fight with cancer

27 Dec 2011 02:44p.m.

Paulam wrote:

I like many others heard of this woman's struggle with cancer over the radio on my way to work. I was saddened to hear of her loss too as whom ever dies of this horrible illness at a young age and with a small child as well is a tragedy. My deepest condoles to her husband and to her little boy. However, I do also see Cato point of view, in our family we not only lost my mother to this horrible illness but my 11 month old nephew too. My mother spoke of her struggle with cancer to whom ever she could, She told them to get checked and told them to insist at times to have extra testing done to make sure that all is ok. I in no way see My mother any less of a fighter or a courageous woman than Natalie was. Any woman, men or child that has had to live with this illness in my eyes is courageous, regardless of whether they made national headlines or not. There is thousands of people fighting this illness at this point and time. And many are thinking about their finacial stresses, and how their loved ones will cope after they have gone. I think the over all picture here is bigger then what we see, it's bigger then natalie or my mother or nephew or Cato wife ( no disrespect intended) the point is that this IS a HUGE ILLNESS that is taking lives every minute of the day. lets not focus our energy in fighting about whether or not this woman did what she did for money, lets focus on what she promoted, and what my mother promoted too. which is to have regular check up an make sure that if you think something is not right to go with your gut instinct and push to be tested. That is what I take from this. May natalie rest in peace and may her loved ones be able to move on with their lives as best they can. Many blessings Paula Montofre.

22 Dec 2011 11:21p.m.

Adele wrote:

So saddened to hear of Natalie's sudden passing. My condolenses to all her family. To Cato, I understand what you are saying - but Natalie's high profile case doesn't take anything away from other sufferers who choose to remain private. What made her story different is how she could really reach people - if you read My Story on the SaveNat website there are words there that make you re-evaluate how you look at yr life. The lessons she imparts some ppl take an entire lifetime to get - she totally got was life was all about and shared this - this has affected me hugely and is making me a better mom to my kids. I'm making the most of everyday. I've also donated this evening as this feels personal to me - her last wish was for her family not to have financial stress after her death - a mother's dying wish - as a mother I don't think twice about giving.

20 Dec 2011 08:56p.m.

Martha wrote:

I agree with Cato...

20 Dec 2011 07:03p.m.

Carolyn wrote:

My sincerest condolences to Natalie’s family on their loss. I have been following Natalie’s story for over 18 months now and during that time I have been inspired by her tremendously brave and courageous spirit and her desire to help others and raise awareness for this dreadful disease in younger women. To Cato, who writes of Natalie’s desire to raise money for her funeral as a 'shrewd business move hardly courageous', I am sorry for the recent loss of your wife. However this amazing young lady did much more than raise money. She promoted awareness of breast cancer in younger women all around the world by sharing her tragic story. She has been fundraising since her diagnosis to pay for supplements and other alternative treatments to try and prolong her life. When she accepted her cancer was terminal, she fundraised to pay for some holidays, create memories and have fun with her little family. And recently she asked for help to pay for a few final things she wanted to do, including renewing her wedding on New Year’s Day and help to pay for her funeral. Sadly she was not able to do these last few things. How is any of this a ‘shrewd business move’? She did what any of us with limited means would have done. She fought for life through alternative as well as conventional treatments, she wanted to enjoy what life she had left and she didn’t want to leave her family with a big bill after her funeral. While I respect anyone’s decision to die quietly, discreetly, privately, however they want, I for one am massively glad Natalie chose to go with the big, beautiful *bang* that she did.

20 Dec 2011 10:17a.m.

cato wrote:

Whilst I have every sympathy for this family. Why was Natalie described as courageous? I mean no disrespect whatsoever but my wife died recently because of this dreadful disease yet she chose to pass quietly, privately and without the iniversal advertising to reap $$$$$$$ for her bereaved. A very shrewd business move hardly courageous.
No doubt many will hate me for my comments but I like Natalie's husband and family are grieving for a beautiful wife and mother who chose to ask only for donations to go to
charities of any donors choice.

19 Dec 2011 11:26p.m.

Carla wrote:

To Greg and little Jackson, I was so saddened to hear of Natalie's passing today, after all those wonderfully generous offers to help Natalie enjoy her final days she sadly didn't get to enjoy some of those moments. It is lovely to hear that she felt she would die the luckiest person alive. So many people treat their lives, and those of their families and loved ones, as a right. They are not - every day we have is a gift. If we expect nothing, we are never disappointed and always fulfilled. I hope Natalie's story reaches many with that message. Greg, look out for little Jackson. I can't imagine the loss that you must be feeling. Time heals, and children have a wonderful way of ensuring we focus on life and the future. My love and wishes to you and your families. I've never met you guys, but you clearly meant the world to Natalie, and i'm sure the feeling was mutual. You are lucky to have loved than to never have loved at all. All the very best for the future - love and best wishes....Carla

19 Dec 2011 10:57p.m.

Veronica Moore wrote:

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your dear wee boy as I shed a tear reading that your Loved and beautiful wife Natalie has lost her battle As you surround yourself with family and friends, may you be given strength in the days to follow, and know that she was an inspiration to many. God Rest Her soul.Veronica Moore Christchurch