Introducing our 2021 Child Cancer Foundation Stars
These tamariki and whānau all have a story to tell and messages of hope and resilience that they want to share with families who are going through a similar experience. Take a look at their stories below.
Tamsin
Why I'm excited to become a Star:
"So I can help other people to know about the Child Cancer Foundation so they can help kids like me"
Age: 10
Home: Porirua, Wellington
Diagnosis: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
My favourite...
- Animal: I don't have one, I like them all
- Colour: Yellow
- Food: Popcorn, pringles and donuts
- Thing to do: Play with my friends
Esme
Why I'm excited to become a Star:
"Because I just can't wait to help other kids that are sick like I was"
Age: 5
Home: Balclutha, Otago
Diagnosis: Burkitt Lymphoma
My favourite...
- Animal: Flying horse
- Colour: Pink and purple
- Food: Mum's curry
- Thing to do: Play with Mum and Dad and my cousin Juno
Mya
Why I'm excited to become a Star:
"So people can give money to help other kids"
Age: 6
Home: Riverhead, Auckland
Diagnosis: Burkitt Lymphoma
My favourite...
- Animal: Tarantula
- Colour: Purple
- Food: Chocolate
- Thing to do: Flip onto the couch
Nicole
Why I'm excited to become a Star:
"It's a great opportunity to share my cancer journey with others and to become famous!"
Age: 9
Home: Blockhouse Bay, Auckland
Diagnosis: Rhabdomyosarcoma
My favourite...
- Animal: Koala
- Colour: Turquoise and purple
- Food: Noodles and pasta
- Thing to do: Art
Jaxon
Why we are excited to become Stars:
"We are grateful for this opportunity as it is an excellent chance for us to be able to give back for all the great things that Child Cancer Foundation has done for us" Jaxon's mum, Keri.
Age: 2
Home: Fielding, Manawatu
Diagnosis: Retinoblastoma
My favourite...
- Animal: Cats
- Colour: Anything bright
- Food: Lollies and McDonald's
- Thing to do: Play outside
Faith
Why we are excited to become Stars:
"When we think back to when Faith was first diagnosed, reading our story would have given us hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel and happy endings are possible." Faith's mum, Ash.
Age: 4
Home: Putaruru, Waikato
Diagnosis: Ganglioneuroblastoma
My favourite...
- Animal: Our cows, Lily and Rosie
- Colour: Purple and pink
- Food: Tomatoes from Nana's garden and a Rodeo burger
- Thing to do: Play on our new swings at home and swim at the beach
Brianna
Why I'm excited to become a Star:
"I am excited to be a Star because I'll be able to share my story of my journey"
Age: 7
Home: Dunedin, Otago
Diagnosis: Wilms' tumour
My favourite...
- Animal: Dogs
- Colour: Pink
- Food: Blueberries
- Thing to do: Racing my BMX bike, jumping on the tramp and swimming
Eli
Why I'm excited to become a Star:
"I am excited to be a Star because I want other people to have courage to make new friends while they are going through cancer and get the good out of bad times"
Age: 7
Home: Invercargill, Southland
Diagnosis: Acute myeloid leukaemia
My favourite...
- Animal: Lizards
- Colour: Turquoise
- Food: No favourite!
- Thing to do: Have fun and play
Arian
Why I'm excited to become a Star:
"I feel honoured to be a Star because I am representing all the children who are battling with cancer. I want to be able to give them hope and positive vibes. I hope my story and strength can help their fighting journey."
Age: 10
Home: Unsworth Heights, Auckland
Diagnosis: DIPG
My favourite...
- Animal: Hedgehog
- Colour: Blue
- Food: Sausages
- Thing to do: Play video games
A special message from our Child Cancer Foundation Stars to all of our wonderful supporters.
We got our Stars to share some lovely messages this Christmas – take a look at the video below
