Reigan passed away on November 23, 2001.

"Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the Diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain.
If I should die and leave you here a while,
Be not like others sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust and weep.
For my sake turn again to life and smile,
Nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do,
Something to comfort Other hearts than thine.
Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine,
And I, perchance May therein comfort you."
ANON

Reigan wrote the following profile in February, 2001

My name is Reigan and I live in New Zealand. I was 22 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2000.

I found the lump in my left breast myself and immediately went to my local GP, who thankfully took it very seriously. I had mammograms and an ultrasound the next day and saw a breast surgeon the following day who performed a core biopsy. Within a week from my first GP appointment I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. There is no history of breast cancer in my family and I had no other risk factors, so my diagnosis came as a big shock to my family and me. My tumor appeared to be quite large and the mammogram showed micro-calcifications, so it was decided that I would have a mastectomy.

The fear of losing my breast prompted me to pursue immediate reconstruction. Having met with a plastic surgeon I had very few options because of my build and it was decided that I would have a Latissimus Dorsi Flap reconstruction with an expanding implant. I had surgery on the July 17, 2000. I spent 5 days in hospital, which I was thankful for since I had three drainage tubes in me. When I left hospital I was down to one, which was taken out a week later. The surgery was very successful and the reconstruction, although swollen and bruised, looked quite good.

My pathology report showed that the tumor was 4.5 cm, 4/12 lymph nodes were positive, and it was er/pr-. I began A/C chemo on the August 18 and by the September 2 my hair was falling out. Luckily I had been wig shopping and could cover up when I went out. After two days of hair loss I shaved what was left, off.

At the end of chemo I began radiotherapy. I had 25 treatments and finally finished on January 15, 2001. I luckily only had one distinctive burn but I do have two very defined shapes where the skin has coloured due to the treatment. I did not work during my treatments and have now decided to take another 12 months off. My final reconstruction surgery is scheduled for the middle of 2001.

I am taking this opportunity to return to University to study for my Masters in Business Management. I am also a member of the University's International Business Case team and we are off to Finland in March 2001 to compete in the International final.

One of the most memorable experiences I have had since I was first diagnosed has been modeling for a retail chain in New Zealand. I may have been wearing a wig and padding out my bra but it made me realise that no one could actually tell what I was going through. This gave me a great deal of confidence when I needed it the most. My specialists and oncologists all had a chuckle with me about the irony of the situation, especially when I mentioned that some of the photos were taken less than a week after a chemo infusion.

Having breast cancer has made me realise that we are fallible and can not protect ourselves from everything. Some days I feel very angry and frustrated about what is happening but I can't change it, so I look to the positives. What I hold onto the most is that I am aware of how precious life is and I try to make each day count.

The Brave and Beautiful Next! November 2001. Profiles of 3 young women with breast cancer.
Reigan's interview with 20/20
AUT Business students honored for international win