As a mother of eight children, Wendi Raumati (Kāi Tahu) is something of a modern-day super woman.
Now 61, Wendi was diagnosed with high grade abnormal cells, a precursor to cervical cancer in 1976 after the standard six-week cervical screen following the birth of her fourth child.
“When you hear the word ‘cancer’ it makes your mind boggle,” she says. “I thought I was going to die. Who would look after my babies?”
The detected abnormalities resulted in a cone biopsy – the removal of a cone shaped piece of tissue from the cervix. Although Wendi was left with scar tissue, she amazingly went on to have four more children and is now the proud grandmother to 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
“The screening saved my life. I wouldn’t be here to see my whakapapa grow if it wasn’t for my wonderful doctor who listened to me and insisted on further investigation.”
Wendi still has a cervical screen every three years and hasn’t had any abnormal screens for 40 years.“As a mother of four daughters, I want future generations to have the best chance of living a healthy life by catching it early.”
“I encourage all women of all ethnicities over the age of 20 to have cervical screenings.”
“I’m alive because of it,” she says with a smile.
Wendi Raumati, Kaiāwhina – Māori Liaison Allied Health.
Wendi Raumati (right), with her daughter Paritai and Moko Kyla.