High-profile Kiwis support Jaquie Brown after breast cancer diagnosis

The comedian and Brown co-wrote 2024 bestseller The Life of Dai about Henwood’s experiences and mindset after he was diagnosed with stage-four bowel cancer in 2020.

Dai Henwood and Jaquie Brown wrote The Life of Dai together after Henwood was diagnosed with stage-four bowel cancer in 2020. Photo / Michael Craig

Henwood taught her that a diagnosis was not “just for you; it’s for everyone who cares about you, too”, Brown wrote on Instagram yesterday.

“Thank you, Dai, for your friendship and for preparing me for this without even realising it.”

Brown’s sobering account of her diagnosis included her shock at being told she had cancer – a sentiment echoed by her friends.

“Oh my gosh Jaquie!”, wrote actor Antonia Prebble.

“I am so, so sorry to hear this … what a terrible shock and tough journey … sending you so much love my friend.”

Jaquie Brown has revealed she is recovering from a mastectomy after a shock breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year. Photo / @jaquiebrown

“Sister, I’m so sorry you have to walk through this”, wrote country singer Tami Neilson.

“I hope you feel all our love and adoration washing over you in waves.”

Comedian Rhys Darby described Brown as a “beautiful amazing human” and chef Peter Gordon said he was “sending buckets of healing hugs and loads of aroha”.

Actor Claire Chitham was “sending all my love your way, to both your boobs, present and past, to your delicious clever brain and your wonderfully huge heart”.

“Love you”, wrote comedian Chris Parker.

“What a horrible shitty life card to get played.”

Actresses Rose McIver, Kim Crossman and Danielle Cormack also sent their support, along with several radio DJs and journalists.

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. She is now cancer-free after treatment. Photo /Jason Dorday

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson wrote that she was “here if you need a rant, a cry, a laugh, or just someone to listen”.

The MP faced her own battle with breast cancer in 2024, undergoing two operations, six months of chemotherapy and 15 radiation treatments before announcing she was cancer-free last year.

Meanwhile, TV presenter Matt Gibb’s message for Brown was brief and to the point.

“Cancer is a d***, you’re amazing.”