At Rānui House and Rānui Apartments every team member plays a vital role in creating the care, compassionate hospitality and sense of belonging that patients and families need while they are away from home. This month, we celebrate two remarkable milestones – Jodie’s 3-year anniversary and Kayelene’s 6-year anniversary with the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust and Rānui.
Though they work in different areas of the organisation both women share one mission: ensuring patients and their families facing medical journey far from home feel supported, valued and close to the care they need.
Jodie — 3 Years of Connection, Impact and Heart
As our Development & Relationships Manager Jodie has spent the past three years championing the people and partnerships who make our work possible.
From building strong donor relationships, to crafting campaigns, to sharing the stories that bring our mission to life, Jodie’s work ensures that patients and families can access the care, comfort and accommodation they need – when they need it most.
Her warmth, authenticity and passion for people shine through in every interaction. Whether she’s welcoming a new supporter, thanking a long-time donor, hosting an event, or advocating for Rānui’s impact in the community, Jodie brings energy and heart to everything she does. Colleagues often describe her as the ‘engine’ behind our fundraising efforts – someone who blends strategy with soul and always keeps families at the centre.
Jodie, when reflecting on her three years with BMCT told us “There have been so many memorable moments and they all involve families. One that stays with me happened early one morning when I was alone in the Rānui Apartments prepping for a fundraising event. A gentleman wandered in lost and a bit vulnerable. Planning was immediately set aside and we sat down for a cuppa and a chat.
That quiet moment was a humbling reminder that people always come first, no matter how ‘busy’ we think we are. It’s why I love this job – walking alongside families in small but meaningful ways. My sense of gratitude has deepened since working at BMCT and will be something I carry with me forever.”
Kayelene — 6 Years of Warmth and Welcome
For six years Kayelene has been a cornerstone of the Rānui team. Her welcoming smile, presence, steady support and natural ability to put people at ease make her an integral part of the guest experience.
From the moment families arrive, often tired, anxious or overwhelmed Kayelene is one of the first friendly faces they meet. With kindness, patience and a genuine love for helping others, she guides patients and their families through their stay and ensures their time at Rānui is filled with understanding and care, relieving the stresses of the everyday best she and our team can.
At the organisation has grown including the opening of Rānui Apartments late last year, Kayelene has remained a constant source of warmth and reliability for both families and colleagues.
We asked Kayelene to share what her six years with BMCT and Rānui mean to her and she told us “That I have made them feel safe & have taken some of their stress away. If I have made someone smile, then I feel I have made a difference”.
A Shared Commitment to Keeping Families Close
Though their roles are different, the impact of Jodie and Kayelene’s work is deeply connected. One builds the resources that make our mission possible while the other brings it to life through daily care and connection.
Together they embody what makes the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust and Rānui so special: compassion, dedication and a belief that no family should face their toughest days alone.
To Jodie and Kayelene we thank you from the bottom of our hearts – your commitment, care and heart strengthen our mission and help us continue to keep families close when they need us the most.
