Joenah's Journey

$21,762 donated

Given by 333 generous donors in over a year

Three years ago Joenah fundraised nearly $2,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation. Now at 14 yrs old he has just been diagnosed with cancer.

Wellington

+4 images

Three years ago in 2015, as an 11 year old primary school student, Joenah chose to do an incredibly selfless and generous act. An act that many children may not even think to do at that age. Joenah took part in a Child Cancer fundraising event where he donated over 60cm of his hair to be made into a wig for those who have lost their hair due to illness. He raised nearly $2,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation, such a generous gift for those children and their families going through a difficult journey.

Check out the link to read the news story about this: https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/hutt-valley/74008773/rata-st-school-funrazor-volunteer-gets-first-haircut-in-11-years?fbclid=IwAR036O01cAgVhI0aq05tiPX-K_eaEnaHZywlAEy1IBOND0YUmmX89IfnBcY.

We didn't know that three years later Joenah would be faced with this journey himself.

In October 2018, Joenah and his family received a devastating diagnosis of cancer (sarcoma). Joenah has a tumour on his spine, centred around his nerves. He was airlifted to Starship Hospital where he has had surgery and has begun chemotherapy. His family's whole world has been turned upside down.

Joenah has four younger brothers and sisters. Mum has had to stop working to help care for her son. This means that everyday living costs are difficult to meet and this is placing extra stress on the family during an already difficult time. This is a chance for us to follow the example that Joenah set for us in 2015 by giving to those that need our support.

Joenah has a rollercoaster of a journey ahead of him. Donating money is a way that we can help him and his family.

Please give generously. Joenah is a kind, caring and gentle kid. He is awesome. Let's let him know that we are right there beside him.

Essie Russell's involvement (page creator)

I am a family friend of the Iona's and was lucky enough to teach Joenah for four years when he was Year 3, 4, 5 and 6. We want to help Joenah and his family in any way we can for the difficult journey that lies ahead.

Use of funds

Funds will be used to help pay for bills, food and rent for the family while Joenah is receiving treatment.

Latest update

2019 Update 15 April 2019

Joenah’s counts haven’t recovered to proceed with cycle 12. He has been unwell in himself over the last week and admitted at the hospital since Tuesday. His hemoglobin level was low. He had some blood transfusion and platelets top ups. He is back on catheter as to reduce residual volume and chronic bladder damage. His bleeding, temperature and pain are well controlled on pregabalin, amitriptyline and antibiotics. He is back on clexane until the line is removed to reduce the risk of thrombus progression yesterday, as it was put on hold because of the bleeding. Joenah is making progress on mobilisation and manage 20 minutes walk. He is on IV fluids as he is also dehydrated. Doctor said he will be monitored at the hospital until his counts are fine for the next cycle. 🙏

It’s about seven months now but we are so grateful and thankful to the Lord for his unconditional love upon Joenah.

Thank you very much to all our families, friends and everyone for your kindness support. It’s a tough journey and it felt like being on a roller coaster ride. Thank you everyone for everything you have done for Joenah..❤️

Share this update

Read 2 more updates