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Whiro's Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer: A Family's Plea for Support

$5,182 donated
Given by 47 generous donors in around 12 months

Whiro's Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer: A Family's Plea for Support

Waikato

Our beloved Whiro, a devoted father and partner, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which has tragically metastasized to his lungs as Lymphangitic carcinomatosis. This devastating news came as a complete shock; Whiro experienced no initial symptoms, and the diagnosis followed months of testing and misdiagnosis. The initial cough he developed over Labour Weekend 2024 led to multiple GP visits before finally revealing the heartbreaking truth in late December.

Now, Whiro faces a prognosis of only 6-12 weeks to live, even with chemotherapy. This is an unbearable reality for his family, especially his young children, John, Khaia, and Duwayne. The situation is further complicated by the fact that John and his siblings (aged 3-17) suffer from PVNH, a brain malformation causing uncontrolled epilepsy. The youngest child's recent MRI shows abnormalities similar to their older siblings.

Whiro, Jodie (his partner), and their children are the epitome of kindness and generosity, always the first to lend a hand to others. Now, they desperately need our help. Jodie will soon be facing the immense challenge of raising her children alone. We are appealing to your generosity to help alleviate the financial burdens that lie ahead. Any contribution will help this family navigate this incredibly difficult time and provide Whiro with the best care and support during his final weeks. Let's rally around them and show them the same love and support they have always shown others.

Cushla Ahu's involvement (page creator)

Jodie is my sister and Whiro is my brother in law.

Use of funds

- Whiro's medical expenses and palliative care.

- Financial support for Jodie to provide for her children.

- Ongoing medical care for the children's epilepsy.

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Latest update

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Final Update  2 December 2025

Posted by: Jodie Gage

It is with the great sadness that we inform family and friends that Timatanga Whiro Te Pou Katipa has passed.

Timatanga Whiro Te Pou Katipa

Wednesday, the 23rd of September 1987 – Saturday, the 29th of November 2025

Our beloved Whiro passed away peacefully at home in Te Kauwhata, surrounded by his loved ones.

A treasured partner to Jodie, and a devoted dad to Duwayne, Khaia and John. Whiro was the Pou & Ngākau of our whānau, steady, loving and endlessly supportive. His strength, humour and passion will remain with us forever.

Whiro was deeply loved by his wider whānau and held a special place in the lives of his nieces and nephews, whom he adored endlessly.

His final service will be held at Horahora Marae, Rangiriri, on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025 at 11am, followed by a private cremation at Te Rapa Crematorium.

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Latest donations

Senar Whānau
Senar Whānau on 21 Nov 2025
Wrapping lots of aroha around you and yours my cousin Whiro. Ka nui te aroha, Becks, Heath, Liam & Ciaran ♥️♥️♥️
$250
Vicky
Vicky on 18 Nov 2025
Kia kaha Whiro, big loves for you all. Vix ❤️
$200
Siobhan
Siobhan on 18 Nov 2025
Always thinking of you guys xx
Private
Rangi whaanau
Rangi whaanau on 18 Nov 2025
Kia kaha, kia maaia, kia manawanui bro 🫶
Private
Belinda Williams
Belinda Williams on 29 May 2025
Love and light with you Whiro & Jodie, and family. 🙏🏼
$200

Who's involved?

Cushla Ahu's avatar
Created by Cushla Ahu
Jodie Gage's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Jodie Gage on behalf of Whiro Katipa
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This campaign started on 4 Jan 2025 and ends on 4 Jan 2026.