March 26, 2026
Cancer. Grief. Transplant. Parkinson’s … And still she lives - Nic Russell
<p>In today’s episode of the Effortless Attraction Podcast, I am joined by the incredible Nic Russell.</p><p><br></p><p>Originally from County Down in the North of Ireland, Nic is now a Kiwi by choice, having lived in Auckland, New Zealand for almost 30 years.</p><p><br></p><p>Nic’s story is one that will truly stay with you.</p><p><br></p><p>In 2005, while undergoing treatment for breast cancer herself, her three-year-old daughter Kenzie was also in treatment. Tragically, Kenzie passed away that same year.</p><p><br></p><p>In the years that followed, Nic faced further life-changing challenges, including heart failure which led to a heart transplant, and a diagnosis of Parkinson’s.</p><p><br></p><p>And yet, when you meet Nic, what you feel is not defeat.</p><p><br></p><p>You feel strength.</p><p>You feel gratitude.</p><p>You feel humour.</p><p>You feel a woman who continues to live.</p><p><br></p><p>She swims in the sea, walks along the beachfront, and lives each day doing what her body allows with appreciation.</p><p><br></p><p>Through her son Connor, who she absolutely adores, Nic recognised that there was very little support available for children dealing with grief.</p><p><br></p><p>From that, she created something extraordinary.</p><p><br></p><p>Nic is the founder of Kenzie’s Gift, a charity set up in her daughter’s memory, now supporting thousands of families across New Zealand navigating serious illness and loss.</p><p><br></p><p>Her first memoir, Bollix, is due for release in 2026, and I have no doubt it will touch so many lives.</p><p><br></p><p>This conversation is real, emotional, and deeply inspiring.</p><p><br></p><p>It is about death, but also about how we choose to live in spite of it.</p><p><br></p><p>Even in the week we recorded this, Nic’s beloved dog Billy of 15 years had died, and still she showed up with warmth, honesty, and that same beautiful spirit.</p><p><br></p><p>She truly is a woman worth listening to, following, and sharing.</p><p><br></p><p>You’ll find all of Nic’s social media links below, so please do connect with her and support the incredible work she is doing.</p><p><br></p><p>⸻</p><p><br></p><p>If you are enjoying the Effortless Attraction Podcast, I would be so grateful for your support.</p><p><br></p><p>For just £1.99 per month, you can become a paid subscriber, helping to support the time, energy, and heart that goes into creating and sharing these conversations. Follow this link, you will also benefit from exclusive podcast for paid subscribers https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/evelynmcaleer/subscribe</p><p><br></p><p>⸻</p><p><br></p><p>If you would like to connect with Evelyn for an inspirational or motivational talk, whether for your workplace, community, or event, you can reach her at:</p><p><br></p><p>evelyn@evelynmcaleer.com she is available for talks online or in person.</p><p><br></p><p>For retreats, workshops, and more, visit:</p><p>Https://evelynmcaleer.com</p><p><br></p><p>Connect with Nic</p><p>Instagram https://www.instagram.com/musesbynicrussell?igsh=NGVkbHhvOW84czA0 also Kenzies Gift https://www.instagram.com/kenziesgiftofficial?igsh=bGx1ZTloNDN1ZXNs</p><p>Website https://www.nicrussell.co.nz </p><p>You can also find Nic on tiktok, LinkedIn and Facebook </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>⸻</p><p><br></p><p>#EffortlessAttraction #Podcast #Inspiration #GriefAndHealing #Resilience #WomensStories #LifeAfterLoss #Mindset #Strength #Gratitude</p>
