Support Johnny Hedley’s Battle with Cancer

Our dear friend Johnny has recently been diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs), a rare form of cancer that has spread to his liver. A builder by trade and a tireless pillar of our community here on Waiheke, Johnny is known for his strength, generosity, and huge heart.

He’s spent years teaching Jiu Jitsu to local kids, coaching football, and showing up for others in countless other ways. As this illness takes its toll, leaving him unable to work, it’s our turn to show up for him.

Johnny's Story:

Life never fails to surprise and challenge. It was just a few months ago that I was busy bringing up my two boys, Zeph (13) and Jett (10), and working towards achieving my black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu when I started experiencing some strange 'health expressions'. I would flush red and my blood pressure would crash whenever I was training, or my stress levels rose. Then came the cardiac 'scares'.

I saw a cardiologist who said I didn't have much to worry about and that I'd just have to manage my symptoms, but in doing some research of her own my mum came across a rare condition called Carcinoid Syndrome. After months of testing following this lead I was eventually diagnosed with a rare cancer called NeuroEndocrine Endoplasm.

With looming treatment costs and the financial stress we face as a family growing, as I'm unable to work, I need to swallow some pride and put it out there to ask for support.

I have boys to raise and a black belt to get.