The openly lesbian MP says her treatment has gone well and she’s ready to return to work “gradually.”
Labour MP Kiri Allan has returned to Parliament today following a medical leave of absence after she was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer in April.
The openly lesbian MP shared the news of her return on Facebook last night saying doctors were pleased with how she had responded to treatment.
I am so grateful for the most incredible support I have received from you all, up and down the country and I’m certain if it wasn’t for the prayers, messages of support, and the most incredible care I received from the health care practitioners during my time of treatment, I wouldn’t be in the place I am today,” she wrote.
“I’m ready now to get back to work.”
Allan said she would be “gradually” returning to her roles but wouldn’t take back on all of her previous work load just yet.
“I’m lucky to be so well supported by my colleagues and appreciate the boss making sure I’m coming back to work gradually.” Allan wrote of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
“That means my friend and cabinet colleague Hon Kris Faafoi will retain the Emergency Management portfolio for now (given it’s a 24/7 on-call job!), and we will reassess those responsibilities as I step back into work.”
Allan still holds the roles of minister of conservation as well as associate minister for arts, culture & heritage, and the environment.
The photo accompanying Allan’s post showed her wearing a hoodie which she disclosed was a gift from breast cancer survivors and read Indomitable (adjective) – impossible to subdue or defeat. “a woman of indomitable spirit.”
“Don’t forget to get your checks, smear tests, breast screens, prostate checks and any other health checks you need – because you are worth it and your family deserves to have a healthy you,” Allan wrote.
