Simone

Simone Davie was just 24 years old when she received a shock cancer diagnosis that turned her life upside down. Now Simone, who has fully recovered from a melanoma removal, is urging others to be SunSmart in the harsh New Zealand sun this summer. She is also raising money for the Cancer Society to give back after all the support she has received on her cancer journey.

Simone’s first surgery occurred in May 2023. A few weeks later while out running, she received a call to see her doctor urgently. She describes it as, “the call you hear about, dread and never imagine yourself receiving”. Simone’s diagnosis came entirely out of the blue and at an unusually young age. It was an invasive malignant melanoma on her back.

Two long weeks later, she underwent a wider excision at Dunedin’s Plastic Surgery Department to ensure that clear margins were present. Thankfully, Simone has since been cleared and only needs to attend check-ups every six months to monitor other moles on her body to make sure they do not grow into cancerous lesions.

“This whole experience ignited a passion within me to raise awareness and support for others facing this life-changing disease and the consequences involved in what has caused my cancer - excessive sun exposure during adolescence.”

Simone says that sun protection is important all year round. In New Zealand, UV levels are often the highest between 10am – 4pm from September through to April. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Aotearoa/New Zealand and in the world, and we have the highest melanoma skin cancer rates.

“As a child, I was always taught to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap. However, I was still diagnosed with Invasive Malignant Melanoma, Stage III at the ripe young age of 24. This was not part of my adulting plan!”

Simone also says that cancer can affect anyone, “no matter how fit or strong, young or old, humble or proud you are”. Through her journey, she says there have been many smiles and tears, stress and fear and countless moments of uncertainty for everyone in her life, but she is “forever grateful” for the support she has received.

“It was a huge relief knowing that we could contact the Cancer Society for support. We talked to the cancer support nurses who listened to us and discussed our concerns. We were able to watch the information videos online and we also had the option to be supported in person if we needed it.”

Now Simone wants to give back. After she was able to return to exercise post-surgery, she decided to train for an ultramarathon as a fundraiser for the Cancer Society. After training a bit too vigorously, she has had to take a step back due to injury, so she is working out a new plan of attack.

“Every time I laced up my shoes it was a pretty surreal moment for me realising I am still here, alive, healthy, breathing and raising awareness and recognition for the Cancer Society of New Zealand, which has supported me in the past and is still currently supporting my family at present.

“From the bottom of my heart, please get those lumps, bumps, growths, moles and anything you notice as ‘abnormal’ checked as soon as you can because it might save your life like it has saved mine!”