City behind Kaiya- Gene
A GROUNDSWELL of community support has brought tears to the eyes of rugby league mum Terri Kerekere, whose son is battling a life- threatening cancer.
The rugby league community in Townsville has rallied behind Kaiya- Gene Kerekere, who is enrolled in Kirwan State High School’s coveted Sports Academy, and has represented North Queensland for rugby league.
Kaiya- Gene, 15, has a rare form of throat cancer, Synovial Farcoma. The talented rugby league player had surgery two weeks ago at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane.
Kaiya- Gene’s parents, Eugene and Terri Kerekere, and three brothers, including Kaelin, a Townsville Blackhawks and Cowboys Academy player, have maintained a bedside vigil during his recovery from surgery.
Kaiya- Gene arrived home to Townsville on Wednesday where he’ll further recuperate before starting the second round of treatment, most likely radiation.
Mrs Kerekere said she felt blessed and humbled by the outpouring of support from the Townsville rugby league community.
“To know that so many clubs and so many individuals are doing what they can to support my family is humbling to say the least,” she said. “We feel very blessed. It’s hard not to get emotional knowing that we live in a community that is so giving, so supportive of one of their own.”
Numerous fundraising events have been organised to support the family, who have put their lives, and jobs, on hold for KaiyaGene.
Last weekend’s fundraising walk up Castle Hill raised nearly $ 2500 with donations still coming in.
Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper donated a framed Vodafone Warriors Jersey to be used to raise funds.
The Western Lions Rugby League Club are organising a super fundraiser raffle for Kaiya- Gene with prizes to include two corporate box tickets to the Cowboys versus Broncos game, a Cowboys firepit, a signed Warriors jersey and a signed Blackhawks jersey.
Sue Nott, a family friend who is helping to organise the Western Lions Rugby League Club’s super raffle, said the Kerekere’s family plight had resonated with so many people in the community.
“They are such a well- regarded rugby league family who would do anything to help another family if the tables were turned,” she said. “All 14 items in the super raffle have been donated and the support we have had for it has been incredible.
“Townsville may be a city but we, luckily, still have that small town mentality of lending a hand to support a family that needs our support.”
To buy a raffle ticket in the Western Lions Rugby League Club’s super raffle, call Sue Nott on 0408 658 396 or Nicole Ashby on 0423 917 920 or go to KaiyaGene Kerekere’s Journey facebook page.