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

  • Final Update

      2 December 2025
    Posted by: Jodie Gage
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    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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  • Nga Mihi Nui

      18 November 2025
    Posted by: Jodie Gage

    Kia ora whānau,

    We wanted to share a heartfelt update on Whiro. Over the past few weeks his health has continued to decline, and after careful kōrero with his medical team, he is now preparing to begin his final line of defence treatment. This will be administered through a private clinic, and his first session is scheduled for tomorrow.

    Because of your incredible generosity, aroha and support, Whiro has been given the chance to pursue this treatment pathway. Every koha, message, and share has helped make this possible, and our whānau are truly humbled and grateful. Thank you for standing with him through this journey.

    “Thank you for being the strength we lean on when ours is fading.”

    Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa

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  • Thank You

      26 May 2025
    Posted by: Jodie Gage
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    Whanau & Friends

    Words will never be enough to thank you all for your love and support throughout this journey

    Whiro's Update

    When we look back to December/January, the situation was dire. Whiro was critically ill, and we had been told there was no chance of treatment as the cancer was so aggressive. I recall us pleading with his Med team to give him a chance especially for the sake of our 3 year old, to give him a chance of being able to retain a memory of his dad. That got our Whiro his chance

    3 months was Whiro's prognosis, March2025 we were told he wouldn't get there but... with Whiro's chance of treatment (Folfirinox - Chemo Regime) it has managed to shrink tumors & he can now maintain his own O2 stats without secondary oxygen. The cancer has managed to spread though but Whiro is doing really well in managing his pain, using aids to conserve energy, fatigue, side effects etc...

    He finished his 9th Treatment yesterday. We have sought a private unfunded treatment as his current treatment has been pretty tough on his nerves & intime will stop working. His Oncologist has informed us that they will now be lowering his chemo dose as "Quality of life outweighs quantity of life". Pretty tough words to hear at only 37 but another reason we sought private care. The funds raised will be used for this private option

    Whanau Update

    Our everyday has changed, we know the inevitable will happen in the near future but we're making the most of our time loving our dad.

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  • Update

      20 January 2025

    Kia Ora E te Whanau. Just a wee update from Jodie.

    Whiro is in the midst of his second round of chemo and is still quite weak, needing help with many daily tasks. He's finding some solace in watching the children play, especially John's creative activities. The weight loss continues (another 7kg, over 30kg total) and his cough is getting worse, but we're grateful his other vital signs are stable. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

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  • Nga Mihi Whanau

      6 January 2025

    On behalf of Jodie and Whiro, we extend our deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity. Your donations have brought us immense comfort and hope during this challenging time. The outpouring of support has been truly overwhelming, and we are eternally thankful for your kindness and compassion as we navigate this journey. Your contributions will make a significant difference in easing the burden and allowing us to focus on creating precious memories . Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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