Nothing impresses me more than the courage of a sick child.
Yesterday's story about Papamoa boy Harrison Mundy, who was recently diagnosed with a rare bone cancer, was as inspirational as it was heart-wrenching.
From a simple injury during a game of hockey came the terrifying news of a tumourthe size of a softball in Harrison's neck. In the past month the 10-year-old has undergone more medical procedures than most people will face in a lifetime and a year of regular chemotherapy.
And yet he still smiles for our photographer's camera and wears his well-earned beads of courage with pride.
While many of us are complaining about the cold, rising power prices or the need for an island holiday, a small group of Bay families, such as the Mundys, are bracing themselves to take on the biggest fight of their lives.
These special mums, dads, siblings and grandparents are holding their child's hand through the cancer journey. Driving them to appointments at Starship, talking them through their next frightening treatment and dishing out endless hugs and reassurance.
I'm not a parent but I imagine staying strong for your child must seem like the most important and most difficult challenge you face on any given day.
As news of Harrison's diagnosis has spread, the Western Bay community has rallied for his family, and so we should. What ever any of us can do, big or small, pales in comparison to the challenge that lies ahead of them.
And while the small things may seem insignificant when a family is taking on something that big they can be the final bump in at road that's already fraught with obstacles.
While the cancer fight seems cruel and unfair for someone so young, children seem to maintain the amazing positive attitude, fighting spirit and zest for life the battle requires. Good on you Harrison, your courage is amazing.
