In 2005, Scott Perkins established The Louise Perkins Foundation, named after his wife Louise, who passed away in 2004 after living for ten years with incurable (secondary) breast cancer.

When she was first told that her cancer had spread and was now incurable, Louise was only 29 and given just two years to live. Louise lived with absolute positivity and went about life with cancer as a small part of living rather than as a main focus of her life.

From Louise Perkins to Sweet Louise

The Louise Perkins Foundation launched Sweet Louise in 2006 with the single minded vision of improving the quality of life for New Zealanders living with incurable breast cancer.

For any New Zealander whose breast cancer has progressed to the secondary stage (also known as advanced or metastatic), Sweet Louise offers:

  • Face to face and over the phone support from our team of Support Coordinators, each with experience in oncology and palliative care
  • Regular meetings to provide peer support and help build connections with others living with incurable breast cancer
  • $500 worth of service vouchers every year that can be redeemed for a comprehensive range of services, complementary therapies and practical support that help improve quality of life.

Sweet Louise currently supports 700 Members and operates throughout most of New Zealand – in Auckland, Northland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Manawatu, Whanaganui, Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, Wellington and Wairarapa, Nelson and Marlborough, Canterbury, West Coast, Otago, and Southland. Outside these Sweet Louise areas, Sweet Louise Members throughout New Zealand living with incurable breast cancer can access support over the phone or by email from our Support Coordinators. Members living anywhere in New Zealand can also attend meetings while in an area in which Sweet Louise operates.

Making a Difference

Sweet Louise relies on donations and grants from individuals, organisations, and corporations to continue its work helping New Zealanders living with incurable breast cancer.

If you would like to find out about the different ways you can help New Zealanders live positively with breast cancer, please visit our Get Involved page or Contact Us to learn more.

Thank you for your kind support.