Shane's Story - Making Every Moment Count

Shane is a kind, humble, and hardworking 46-year-old man. He's a proud husband to Sara, a devoted Dad to four beautiful children-aged 22,21,14 and 11-and a deeply loved son, son-in-law, brother, and mate to many.

He lives in Rotorua, surrounded by whanau who adore him. On the 25th of November 2024, Shane was diagnosed with two brain tumours and urgently rushed to Waikato Hospital. One of the tumours was operable and successfully removed. The second, heartbreakingly, was inoperable-located too close to vital areas of the brain for surgery to be possible.

Not long after, he was diagnosed with stage 4 paediatric high grade glioma, an extremely rare and aggressive brain cancer that affects fewer than 1% of adults. There is no cure.

Since then Shane has been through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The most recent MRI brought devastating news-the inoperable tumour has doubled in size, crossing over the midline of his brain and causing serious swelling.

There is one medication (Bevacizumab) that may help slow the tumour's growth-giving Shane more comfort and more time with his family. It's not a cure, but it's the best option for stabilising the tumour and reducing the swelling. Sadly, this treatment is unfunded in New Zealand and comes at a significant cost.

Shane's greatest wish is simple: to spend as much meaningful time as possible with Sara, and his children, and his wider whanau. To make memories. To laugh. To be present.