Zion Whyte

After suffering from violent seizures for over a year my baby brother Zion has been diagnosed with a very large brain tumour. This tumour covers 42% of the left side of his brain. He is 21 years old.

Within the next month he will undergo surgery in an attempt to remove this tumour followed by radiotherapy to stop future growth of the cancer. This surgery is going to take three days and involve the total removal of the top of Zions skull.

Recovery from surgery is going to take up to two years involving the need to re-learn many functions we take for granted such as walking, talking and even eating. During this rehabilitation time Zion will be unable to work, travel alone or, in many cases, take care of himself.

A little bit of background on Zion:

Zion first came to be a part of the Whyte family at Christmas time in 2004 when he was 11 years old. He had been left in an orphanage by his previous foster family. I would be lying if I didn’t say life has been a struggle for Zion since the day he entered the world. Throughout his childhood he had to fight to be clothed, sheltered and even adequately fed, all basic rights we take for granted. When I first met Zion all he wanted was a family to call his own that he could not only receive love from but also give love to. We are very proud to be able to say we have, and will continue to, provide that.

Zions strength and positivity during this time is inspirational. He has demonstrated more concern in how his family are coping than in himself. When I told him how sorry I was the self-confessed car fanatic simply said ‘just another bump on the road. I just have to slow down a little, get over the bump and hoon off’. How many bumps in the road should one person have to encounter?

During Zions recovery he will be living in Hawera with our father. He will be required to attend many appointments in other parts of the country and alterations will need to be made to the house. Our father will take the responsibility of being his primary carer during this time meaning there will be periods when he also will be unable to work.

If you would like to contribute to this I know Zion and the whole Whyte family will greatly appreciate it.