"We have had a few meetings with the girls and a couple of mums, and they have come back with an itinerary for two weeks, flights, accommodation, travel (by bus and train) and sightseeing, which will cost $5000 per person. We are wanting to send at least two adults with the girls as chaperones, and if possible include them as well.
"So we are looking at $45,000. That is a lot of money, so we discussed how realistic this might be.
"When TA finishes chemo the time factor kicks in, so while she is good enough to travel the girls thought it would be a good idea to put their plea out there for help. In saying that the girls are doing their bit to fundraise. They are looking at doing the trip in January, and if, for whatever reason, they can't reach their target, that's OK too. They'll just look for something maybe closer to home."
A Givealittle page is also being set up.
Jane said she and her friends were not under-estimating the challenge they had taken on, but time was not on Te Amo-haere's side. "We haven't been given a lot of time with her,, and we want to make what precious little time we do have with her count," she said.
As well as a good friend, TA had been a long-time giver herself. She was involved with numerous community organisations, as well as being an excellent student, leader, and student representative at Kaitaia College. Last year she won the college's prestigious Clifford Matthews Award for her contribution in terms of community service, academic achievement, culture and sport. She is also a talented musician and singer.
Her doctors had said she would be fine to travel, although she would need more than one support person to deal with what could occur while she was overseas.
For her part Te Amo-haere is taking a very philosophical view.
"Unfortunately, the treatment hasn't gone as great as it could. Since last year I've been through a couple of chemo treatments that haven't worked out."
So now her friends are about to embark on every means of raising money that they can think of, from cake stalls to social media campaigns.
"We can't do it alone," Jane said. "None of us are rich, and most of our families are struggling as it is. Although we are capable of contributing to the trip cost, we believe there is no shame in asking for help. Any donations will be invaluable, and immensely appreciated.
"Time is of the essence; January is pushing it as it is. We have no way of telling where TA's health is going to be next month, let alone next year.
"Essentially, our aim is to create as many memories with our friend as we can," she added. "For as long as we've known TA, she has always wanted to go to Italy, and naturally we would love to give her every opportunity to realise her wishes, before we lose her."
Anyone who would like to help, or has any ideas for fundraising, is very welcome to contact Ms Rudolph on (09) 408-3063.
