Kaiya Gene Kerekere

I cannot think of anyone that hasn’t been impacted by Cancer, our friend and Ataahua Whanau, are about to approach one of their biggest challenges, as their Son has reached stage 4 Synovial Sarcoma, a rare disease that, affects soft tissue which connect, support, and surrounds the bones and organs of the body. 

Synovial Sarcoma is a type of soft-tissue sarcoma. It is a rare cancer. Only about 1 to 3 individuals in a million people are diagnosed with this disease each year. It can occur at any age, but it is more common among teenagers and young adults. Synovial sarcoma seems to have a slight preference for males, with 12 male patients for every 10 female patients

After over a year since Diagnosis, Kaiya has continued to enjoy a life like any other teenager and has not let this Disease stop him, the largest contribution to a positive life has been is Whanau (family), who continue to give to those around them and maintain a positive outlook, Kaiya is one of siblings of Eugène and Terri. Watching your child suffer has to be the hardest position to be in as a parent, let alone keeping  the family unit together. 
Due to the aggressiveness and rarity of the Disease, treatment has relocated to Brisbane, the impact this has on the family can be very stressful, how does a parent choose? where and when they spend their time. Having to now consider what happens next to the family is the reason for this fundraiser. We don’t have a crystal ball, what we do know is taking financial pressure off the parents would allow their time to continue to be with the son receiving treatment as well as still be able to support their other boys. All contributing to a more positive recovery for Kaiya who will now start Chemo and Radiation Therapy. There is possibly only one chance if it works.