Boy tames dragon, slays cancer
Make-A-Wish gave Taine his dream pet, now he’s off to the Royal Easter Show.
An 8-year-old Auckland boy has beaten cancer with a little bit of help from a real pet dragon.
When Taine Meachen was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), his one wish was to have his own dragon named Black Thunder.
The wildlife whiz and Sir David Attenborough fan’s wish came true when he was gifted an inland bearded dragon thanks to Make-A-Wish, which arranges experiences for children battling critical illnesses.
Now, more than three years since he was diagnosed and after going through treatment including chemotherapy, Taine has beaten the disease.
His mum, Theresa Meachen, said Black Thunder was a great companion for Taine throughout his treatment.
“For Taine he brought so much joy. It just gave him that little bit of hope and it gave him a distraction. He is like his best buddy. Taine will get upset if he thinks there is something not right with Black Thunder. “He really loves him.” Meachen said Black Thunder, who has grown from the size of Taine’s hand to about 30cm long since they got him in 2016, doesn’t go far from her son’s side.
“I think he is more scared of losing Taine than Taine is of losing him. Taine will watch TV and Black Thunder will just sit on his lap.
“He goes to the beach with us on holidays. He’s part of the family.”
Taine finished treatment in February and celebrated with a trip to the beach and some fishing with friends and family.
He will have another opportunity to celebrate on Thursday at Auckland’s 175th Royal Easter Show.
More than 220 people, including sick children who have made wishes through Make-A-Wish and their families, will be there for a reunion hosted by the charity and Cadbury.
“He’s excited. What kid doesn’t like to go to a show with fun and excitement and rides and chocolate,” said Meachen.
More than 120,000 are expected at the ASB Showgrounds this year.
The jam-packed line-up includes lumberjacks, bulls the size of small cars, sheep shearing and entertainment from Zirka Circus and Kiwi band Sons of Zion. There will also be carnival rides and fireworks.
He goes to the beach with us on holidays. He’s part of the family.”
Theresa Meachen