Lets make this a Meri Kirihimete for the Tamihere Whanau ❤️

In 2014 Makere and Shanes son Mikaera was diagnosed with Leukemia. That year would be one that they fought courageously! They balanced life with Ocean their eldest daughter caring for Te Ahurei their youngest son at Ronald McDonald House in Auckland. Mikaera would have Makere by his side every night on the ward and Shane would work long hours back home in Kawerau and visit every day off he could get.

Extended whanau worked hard to find a bone marrow match so their boy could receive a life saving bone marrow transplant.

A match was found and Mikaera received his transplant in October 2014.

Here is something Makere wrote a year on from transplant

“Today marks the one year anniversary that turned our world on its axis, but certainly did not break us!!

Today we celebrate the journey that has strengthened us as a family, strengthened our bond with the amazingly generous and supportive extended whanau who make up the community of Kawerau and beyond to Whakatane, Whakatane High School, as well as so many others. Those we have met and those we have yet to meet.

Today we acknowledge the triumphs and heartache of the many courageous families who battled before or beside us in kindred spirit of a journey not asked for.

Today we acknowledge that no matter how hard his father or myself may have wished to shield Mikaera by taking the fear and pain of the battle into ourselves, there were too many instances in which we had to wait helplessly in awe of our son who in the reality of the journey, often times battled alone.

Today we celebrate you Mikaera and your indelibly courageous spirit!!

We love you, we are grateful for you,

Mum, Dad, Ocean and Te Ahurei xo❤”

It has now been 3 years since transplant. There is still a lot of appointments and treatments that Mikaera needs. Every two weeks they travel to Starship and at the moment Mikaera is receiving 6 weeks of oxygen therapy in Auckland.

This not only takes a financial toll but it is certainly emotional. This weekend they are at home to catch a break but someone at RMH had chicken pox which means some preventative medication at Whakatane hospital tonight.. this journey is relentless.

My heart aches that the road is still bumpy on their journey and would love to raise some money to ease extra pressures at this time of year.