After working as a ski instructor in the U.S., Carole returned to New Zealand to raise her daughter and became the long-time owner of The Steaming Bean, the iconic coffee cart on Taupo’s lakefront. But her journey took a life-changing turn when she found a lump in her breast. "Oprah Winfrey was telling you how to hold your arm up and feel for a frozen pea while you’re in the shower [to check for lumps]. I did that and I found a frozen pea!" It turned out to be breast cancer.
Fortunately, Carole had made it a priority to get Southern Cross Health Insurance when she came home to New Zealand, which meant she could get the help she needed quickly. She chose a mastectomy over chemotherapy because it meant less time away from her business. “I just called Southern Cross and said this is what is happening, and they took care of it. It was amazing to have things done so quickly.”
Fast forward 13 years, and lightning struck again. While skiing and biking in Wanaka, Carole felt a cyst on her bottom and thought something was off. After seeing her GP on Thursday, she was told by Friday, “You’re having surgery on Monday.” By Monday, she was in surgery, and they removed a 3.5-inch tumour. Southern Cross was there for her again: Across Carole’s cancer journey, Southern Cross covered over $100,000 in medical expenses. “I was a single parent. I could never have afforded to pay that. Southern Cross have been with me through thick and thin,” Carole said.
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