A 200km hikoi for Ka’iulani

Whanau of Ka’iulani Forbes, 2, have embarked on a 200km hikoi to raise much needed funds for the toddler who has been diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Photo: Givealittle

The whanau of a toddler who's fighting a rare and aggressive form of cancer have set off on a 200km hikoi to raise money for her treatment.

Ka'iulani Forbes was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma late last year and the aggressive cancer has so far been unresponsive to treatments that have been offered to the two-year-old in Aotearoa.

Departing on Monday, up to seven of Ka'iulani's whanau are walking from Waihihi in Hauraki to Maketu Marae in Kawhia – a journey which is expected to take seven days.

According to a Givealittle page setup by her aunty Alexandra Harrison Forbes, cancer specialists have advised Ka'iulani's parents Manihera and Moana that their daughter's best chance is to access overseas treatments, such as immunotherapy and newly approved medications and therapies.

'These promising treatment regimes have proven results and Ka'iulani will need to relocate overseas, most likely the United States, for up to a year to receive this life-saving treatment.

'Neuroblastoma is a relentless and aggressive cancer which has a 50 per cent chance of relapse. The United States have many treatment options specifically for preventing relapse where New Zealand doesn't.”

But the cost for these treatments will cost more than $350,000, with one quote from a leading Child Cancer hospital to be over $2,000,000. In addition to treatment the family face the cost of relocation and living overseas without income.

'To give Ka'iulani the best fighting chance her Mama, Papa, and new baby sister will need to be with her round the clock.”

At the time of writing, Ka'iulani's Give A Little page had far raised $77,594.05 and a range of fundraising events have taken place to date, which includes the Chiefs, led by Liam Messam, raising about $50,000.

Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell is sending his best wishes to the whanau and hopes the community will back their efforts.

'The whanau require funds to enable them to access specialist treatment in the United States which will provide Ka'iulani with the greater chance of surviving this cancer.

'A very good friend of mine is an Aunt to this kōtiro (young girl), and asked if I would get on board with them and use my profile to raise some putea and awareness around the efforts the whanau are making. I was only too happy to help.”

'All contributions are welcome and can be made on the Givealittle page set up for Ka'iulani.”

For more information on how you can join in the hikoi visit www.facebook.com/hikoi4kaiulani or donation can be made to Ka'iulani's Givealittle page at: givealittle.co.nz/cause/kaiulani

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3 comments

sad

Posted on 18-04-2017 18:29 | By dumbkof2

this is very sad but why cant they use some of the millions of dollars they have been given


@dumbkof2

Posted on 19-04-2017 08:15 | By manbearpig

Who's 'they'? Are the girl's parents millionaires?


@ Dumbkopf2

Posted on 19-04-2017 19:23 | By Papamoaner

That is in very bad taste mate. You are certainly cringe material. Treaty settlements, if that's what you are sniping at, don't go to individuals. What a cruel comment, and your transparently fake "this is very sad" opening only reinforces the insult. I hope the whanau realise we are not all like you.


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