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My Dad Mike

  • Mum and Dad's combined birthday

      12 February 2019
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    As most of you will know, mum and dad share a birthday. With mum born on the 31st of January and Dad on the 1st of February we decided to throw them a surprise party. And it was incredible to see them so happy with everyone around!

    Apologies its been so late between updates! Dad is going well, as well as he could be I guess. He started his chemo meds last week and has surprises us all with how few side effects he's has this far. In fact, he's taken inspiration from 'my house rules' and renovated one of the bedrooms at their house (my bedroom) into an office.

    So far we've all raised just over $15,000 through our givealittle page... I think that's pretty amazing, and it's thanks to you all. Let's keep it rolling! It hasn't got too much longer left to run, so let's finish strong! Thank you so much to everyone who's donated this far. It's honestly made the process that much easier.

    Cam.

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  • Planning day. Aka 'D' day.

      17 January 2019
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    Planning day. Aka 'D' day.

    So today was the day that dad had yet another specialist appointment up in Auckland for his ill health. We went up as a family and sat in on the appointment to get a grasp for ourselves on what was really going on.

    We were given some good news in that the specialist is confident he can treat dad. However, lately good news is often followed by bad news. But in this scenario, it was unavoidable and the bad news had to be revealed. Unfortunately, although the tumors are treatable, the cancer is terminal and the inevitable is likely to come. Something which none of us have accepted yet, or are ever likely to accept.

    There are so many things I want to say, so many feelings I have about how unfair this is for dad. But he's a trooper. He's a bloody strong man, and despite the news he's been given, he's putting on a brave face for all of us.

    Following the appointment, we all went out for lunch..and as strange as it sounds, it was actually a really nice thing to do. It was quality time and I think all of us just wanted to freeze time as it stood.

    My dad is my hero, he's an idol to me and an absolute bloody legend. I guess we all take things for granted and it's times like these that teach us alot about that. My advice, make the most of what you've got, who you've got and what you want. Don't take anything for granted.

    Cam

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  • One Month of Treatment Costs Raised!

      13 January 2019
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    Thank you all so much! So far we have raised one month's worth of treatment costs, or enough to relocate and live in Auckland for just over a month, or enough to assist mum in travelling to and from Auckland without having to worry about how much leave she takes from work.

    Your generosity has been overwhelming. Dad's been pretty tired and low in energy the last few weeks and the tiredness has been increasing. He's done his best and returned to work for 3 days last week. He battled it out but it was pretty hard on him. He will never admit it. He went fishing with a mate of his who decided to pull him out of the house for the day. This was good for him. He hadn't been for a while!

    Normality in a time like this is a good thing, despite how low in energy and 'less than normal' he may feel.

    Again, thank you all for your support and generosity during this time. It's far exceeded my expectations, considering when I told the brothers I was thinking of setting up this page, it was a passing comment, almost a joke; and it almost didn't happen. So seriously, thank you. Let's keep it going!

    Cam.

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  • Birthday Celebrations

      3 January 2019
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    Not long after Christmas, 4 days after.... Since 1990, my birthday has been celebrated. This one was no exception. It was so nice to see dad smiling and simply 'being there' with everyone around. It was a time for everyone to look back at the last 28 years of my life, but also to catch up with dad before he starts his rigorous journey.

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  • Christmas with Family!

      3 January 2019
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    Like almost every other person around the world, on the 25th of December we were lucky enough to celebrate Christmas as a family. It was the first Christmas in a long time where I wasn't working Christmas day. Despite the news Dad got the night before, he was still able to share in the celebrations and show a smile or two.

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