Introducing our 2023 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.
Mae
Why I'm excited to become a Star:
"To help other families going through childhood cancer by sharing our story, and to promote the good work that Child Cancer Foundation does."
Age: 3 years old
Home: Karaka, Auckland
Diagnosis: Intermediate-risk neuroblastoma
Age when diagnosed: 8 months
My favourite...
- Animal: Lions
- Colour: Pink
- Food: Spaghetti and bread
- Thing to do: Swimming/water play, play with my Paw Patrol toys
Roman
Why I'm excited to become a Star:
"To bring awareness to Child Cancer Foundation and the incredible work they do for families like ours."
Age: 3 years old
Home: Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
Diagnosis: Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia
Age when diagnosed: 11 months old
My favourite...
- Animal: Turtles and dinosaurs
- Colour: Green
- Food: Pasta, salt & vinegar chips, berry yoghurt
- Thing to do: Playing in the sandpit, playing with my friends and swimming
Maggie
Why I'm excited to become a Star:
"Because I want to bring awareness to Child Cancer Foundation by sharing my journey and saying how they help children like me and families like mine."
Age: 8 years old
Home: Fordell, Whanganui
Diagnosis: T-Cell lymphoblastic lymphoma
Age when diagnosed: 6 years old
My favourite...
- Animal: Dogs
- Colour: Turquoise and purple
- Food: Sweets
- Thing to do: Play with my sister Annie
Willy
Why I'm excited to become a Star:
"Because I want to take care of people and because I'm going to look cool!"
Age: 5 years old
Home: Nelson
Diagnosis: Neuroblastoma
Age when diagnosed: 4 years old
My favourite...
- Animal: Megalodons (prehistoric sharks)
- Colour: Blue
- Food: Popcorn, broccoli, chicken nuggets and Mum's meatballs
- Thing to do: Go to the big park in Christchurch (Margaret Mahy Playground), build lots of LEGO, play with our cat Roskie, and go to the pool with Baillie (big brother). I like it when Mum reads stories to me.
Manaia
Why I'm excited to become a Star:
"I like the idea of representing Child Cancer Foundation and all the other kids out there with cancer. I really like doing charity work – it gives you a sense of being proud of yourself."
Age: 11 years old
Home: Seddon, Marlborough
Diagnosis: Pineal germinoma
Age when diagnosed: 7 years old
My favourite...
- Animal: Komodo dragons
- Colour: Light blue
- Food: Sushi
- Thing to do: Practice tricks on the trampoline
Ayla
Why I'm excited to become a Star:
"So that the Child Cancer Foundation can help other kids with cancer like they've helped us. When I was in hospital they gave me a blanket with llamas on it which I sleep with every night. And they give me beads every time I have to do something that I have to be really brave for."
Age: 8 years old
Home: Dunedin, Otago
Diagnosis: Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Age when diagnosed: 6 years old
My favourite...
- Animal: Koalas
- Colour: Pink
- Food: Chicken noodle soup
- Thing to do: Hip hop dancing
Join our Constellation
If your whānau is interested in representing Child Cancer Foundation in your community, we would love to include you in our regional network – ‘Constellation’ – of families who support us with stories, content, media activity and fundraising in their regions.
Our goal is to create a network of families around Aotearoa who are passionate about raising awareness of the work Child Cancer Foundation does.
If you’re interested, please send an email to our marketing team at: marketing@childcancer.org.nz
Help us make a difference.
We can't do this without you.
Child Cancer Foundation provides support to Kiwi kids on their cancer journey. We need your help to provide the vital support to families. Please make a donation today.
