Amanda and Craig McEwan at A Night to Remember, just three weeks before Amanda’s passing.
Guests at February’s sell-out annual Foundation dinner, A Night to Remember, were spellbound by the story about and bravery of Amanda McEwan.
Amanda was diagnosed with a rare type of head and neck cancer in August 2014, aged just 41. Despite extensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the disease spread and by February 2015 Amanda was told she was incurable.
Despite that grim backdrop, she resolved to appreciate every minute possible with her family and friends, and she was determined to enjoy A Night to Remember, being one of the last to leave well into the small hours.
At the completion of her story and touched by her courage, the 460-strong crowd at the dinner rose spontaneously as one to applaud her tenacity and her plea to continue the mission of funding and establishing medical research for the benefit of the generations ahead.
Sadly, Amanda died on March 13th. She leaves behind her husband Craig and sons Jake (20) and Macauley (18).
We were humbled and honoured by Amanda’s presence at the dinner and our condolences and thoughts are very much with Craig, Jake, Macauley and their extended family.
You can read Amanda’s story, as presented at A Night to Remember, here.
My heart goes out to Amanda’s family. What an amazing woman. I am a breast cancer survivor so understand the struggle of treatment. I was at A Night to Remember & was so touched by her story. Heartbreaking to hear today’s news.
I went to high school with Craig and even thought h may not remember me, I do him. My condolenses to Craig and his family
I am truely saddened to hear about Amanda’s passing to Craig Macaulay and Jake we are so sorry for your loss an angel sent to heaven. From pam holly grace and Ryan vanHeezik
I work with Amandas mum. Our lovely Marion. she is one of our favorite people to work with.some days she is very positive.but we always see her pain.from all the staff at Wanganui Hospital we give and send our love to you all .kindest regards Rene.xx
I am Amanda’s Mum and I am so proud of her. What you all saw in Amanda was what she was always like. She had a strong will and determined from day one of her Cancer tat she was going all out to live life and take all the advice she was given if it was possible to make a difference. We thank everyone who have shown their love to her over this journey. Her biggest wish after her boys is that something might have been learnt from her that may help someone in the future. Keep up your wonderful work OMRF. Chris Rattray