15-year-old Denzel is fighting for his life at Starship Hospital; we are raising funds so his mum can stay by his side without $ worries.
Paeroa, Waikato
Denzel is 15 years old—a kid who should be enjoying school and hanging out with mates. Instead, for the last six weeks, he has been locked in a brutal battle with a virus that just won’t let go.
Denzel has Dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune condition. While he is usually a fighter, this recent virus has pushed his body to the limit. After weeks of illness and a week in the hospital, things took a frightening turn last Tuesday. His kidneys and liver began to fail, and his organs are now struggling as his body fights against itself.
Because of the severity of his condition, Denzel was flown from Waikato to Starship Hospital in Auckland. It's a battle the whanau are taking day by day.
How You Can Help - Denzel’s mum Tarryn is his rock, but being there for him has meant she can't currently work. Having exhausted all her sick leave and facing the mounting costs of being away from home, the financial pressure is adding a weight no parent should have to carry during a medical crisis.
Every dollar donated goes directly toward making sure Denzel’s mum can stay right where she belongs: by his side. Whether it’s $5 or $50, your generosity allows this family to focus entirely on Denzel’s recovery.
Please share Denzel’s story and keep him in your thoughts.
A fellow rugby mum whose heart breaks because this could be any one of our kids. We've got you Tarryn!
We are raising funds to help Mum cover:
Monthly bills and rent so they have a home to return to.
Travel costs.
Daily essentials.
Just life!
He's Fighting - and in super brave fashion: An Update on Denzel 7 March 2026
Our brave 15-year-old is currently in a "stable but critical" condition at Starship. His body is navigating a storm of complications and his diagnoses consist of; Dermatomyositis, Rhabdomyolysis, Myocarditis, and Calcinosis. He has now endured four surgeries—including three on his bowels and a tracheostomy. He is currently breathing with mechanical help and remains on dialysis for his liver and kidneys.
Denzel is an absolute fighter who continually wows his whanau with how well he is taking the medical care. The doctors and nurses are doing incredible work, and Denzel is meeting every challenge with a strength that humbles us all.
We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who have reached out, donated, and kept Denzel in their thoughts and prayers. You are helping a lot.
The journey ahead is a marathon, not a sprint. If you are able to keep supporting—whether through a small donation or simply by sharing this page—please know it makes a world of difference.
We’ve got you, Denzel and family. Keep fighting.
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