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💚💚 Please help support Jytique & his Dads 100 day stay in Hospital having Chemo and Bone Marrow Transplant Surgery 💚💚

  • Update for Aprill 22.

      2 May 2026
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    Just over 3 weeks into his 100-day journey now. It’s been a huge relief to finally have some space and a bit of freedom outside of the hospital. The doctors and nurses have been incredible — we’re so grateful for the care they’ve shown every step of the way.

    At the moment, he’s taking up to 12 pills, three times a day. He has to be extremely careful, as his immune system is very low — similar to that of a newborn — making him highly vulnerable to infections. Over the past week, he’s been receiving blood transfusions nearly three times a week, along with injections to help boost his white blood cell count.

    We were told today that the doctors aren’t fully satisfied with where his levels are at, so more tests have been scheduled for next week. This may include a bone marrow biopsy, additional blood tests, and ultrasounds. Although he’s now out of hospital, there’s still a long road ahead before he can come home. We’re taking things one day at a time, trusting the process and care he’s receiving. It may take longer than hoped, but we remain hopeful.

    On a brighter note, he is overwhelmed by the love and support from whānau and everyone around him. He’s lost for words — just shaking his head at the amount of aroha being shown ❤️

    One of the first things he said is that when he gets through this, he wants to go on a ride home to personally thank people. That speaks volumes about the kind of heart he has.

    Thank you all for the ongoing support — it truly means everything to our whānau.

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  • March 20 Update

      20 March 2026
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    One NZ Warriors sent a video wishing the neph Jytique well on his recovery.

    Week 5: Its still very much a stressful battle for the neph through chemo and taking on sleepless nights fighting the pain and infections. Currently unable to talk and eat due to a swollen throat and ulcers which feel like razor blades on his lips, he is being fed four different bags of meds into his hicksman line. He has lost his hair through the chemo and we hope his white blood cells hurry up and reproduce so his immune system fights back against infections. The Dr asked if he wanted some stronger meds and he said No! Tique is signed in for another 2-3 months in Wellington Hospital while Matt recovers from his donor transplant. They are taking it one day at a time. Praying for their wellbeing to improve and doing what we can from afar. Thanks for your support!

    To support Tique and his bone marrow transplant here is a link for donations of support.

    His other uncles are also doing a Mahi Toi fundraiser for our neph next Saturday 28th March, at Awa Ink in Hastings.

    Ngā mihi - Uncle Dwayne Russell

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  • March 7 update. 2026

      10 March 2026
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    Sending out a paku update for our young warrior, Jytique. 🥊

    It’s been a really rough road lately. With his immune system and blood counts at their lowest post-transplant, he’s been feeling pretty wiped out. We had a scary setback with a bug that caused some crazy shakes and fevers, but the doctors were absolute legends—they caught it fast and knocked it on the head with antibiotics.

    It’s been a massive hurdle for his recovery, and he’s now on day two of his second chemo block. He’s still battling migraines and some nasty stomach pains, but in true Jytique style, he’s still got that big osmile on his dial! Currently refueling on some mac n cheese and apple crumble. 🧀🍎

    We honestly can’t thank you all enough for the incredible love and support. It means the world and keeps him fighting. Thank you for being in his corner! ❤️

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  • Weds March 5 Update

      5 March 2026
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    Kia ora koutou

    Thank you so much for the support for Jytique and Matiu. The response has been heartwarming and has brought some joy to a challenging time. Tonight Matiu finished his bone marrow surgery in Tamaki Makaurau, He is doing well afterwards and is already wondering when he can hit the gym again. 🤔

    Jytique has had a grueling week Whānau, surrounded by his mum, sister, dad, grandparents and even his mysterious Uncle E popped in to visit. This week Jytique has had to endure 4x 18 - 20 hour Chemotherapy sessions in a row plus some other new medications aswell. Some scary reactions at the start meant some minor adjustments had to be made so that they could carry on.. but Jytique done amazingly well and he completed the journey, we are all very proud of him.

    Today at 9am Jytique will receive his dad's bone marrow transplant. This will also be the very 1st adult bone marrow transplant surgery in Aotearoa. So yes Jytique & Matiu are making history today. These next days will be the hardest on the journey so far, please keep Jytique in your karakia, prayers and we will be wishing him a successful outcome.

    Ps keep an eye out for an interview for Jytique on The Post today.

    From the bottom of our hearts thank you for all the love and support for Jytique. He does not like a fuss over his health but him and his Dad are very grateful for everything.

    Ngā mihi aroha ❤️

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