When Hone Hillman lined up his old books and toys for a self-initiated garage sale, he hoped he might raise $50 towards a dream flight – his first – to see his favourite cousins in Christchurch.
Instead, the former Pukekohe boy, who has a cancer-like tumour in his brain, won hearts nationwide and received tens of thousands of dollars in donations – and a promise from Air New Zealand to fly him anywhere he chose.
Eight months on, life keeps getting better for the 10-year-old and his family, who this month moved to Christchurch to be closer to relatives.
“Hone, he’s doing well,” Dad Sam Samuelu told the Herald.
“His whole surroundings have changed, he’s in a better house, his health has improved and as a family we’re way happier.”
Hone, who loves school, cooking, colouring and caring for his younger sisters, was diagnosed with hypothalamic Langerhans cell histiocytosis in November 2024.
The cancer-like tumour was discovered in the hypothalamus region of Hone’s brain, with the rare illness causing the immune system to make too many cells, damaging the body.
Samuelu said his son had subsequently been diagnosed with diabetes insipidus and his hormones and growth were affected by the tumour, which cannot be removed.
Hone finished a six-month course of chemotherapy in August, but still suffered from fatigue, would need medication and health monitoring for life, and could attend school for only an hour two times a week, his dad said.
“He does miss school a lot. It’s probably the biggest thing that’s affected him.”
But the improvements in Hone’s health had meant the family could enjoy some of the $30,000 donated by individuals and businesses moved by the boy’s entrepreneurial spirit in April.
“[This has] bought him things that he’s never had and just his whole life’s picked up, so he’s feeling really good.
“There’s been clothes, a lot of outings, family dinners. We went away to Cambridge … we’ve stayed in a few Top 10 Holiday Parks around New Zealand.”
And yes, they had visited Hone’s favourite cousins in Christchurch, but that wouldn’t be such an expense now that the family called the southern city home.
They made the move by car in late November, Samuelu said.
“Even that trip as a family was a memory we’ll never forget.”
Apart from donations from individuals, Hone received financial support from several businesses, including Bakers Delight Pukekohe, Crackerjacks Pukekohe, Hope House Pukekohe, TR Group NZ, Sikh Temple Takanini and Pukekohe New World, while Jetstar offered to fly him to Christchurch free.
However, Samuelu said his little battler’s health had kept him on terra firma until a few months ago.
The big move and health issues for other family members had further delayed them taking up Air New Zealand’s generosity, he said.
But he hoped this year Hone would be taking flight, joined by at least one family member, and possibly more.
“We’re in touch with Air New Zealand and they’ve still got the credit there.”
The airline had initially offered to fly Hone to Disneyland, but Samuelu thinks Australia is more realistic.
“We’re thinking America’s a bit far, but Australia, that would be good. Maybe Waterworld and stuff? If we can all go together, that’d be awesome.”
Hone – who had also donated some of the donations he received to other Pukekohe families in need – was so thankful for the support, he was honing his burger and smoothie-making skills in the hope of fundraising for other kids, Samuelu said.
“He’s so grateful and looks forward to helping others when he has the chance ... paying it forward – that’s Hone Hillman, the gentleman who doesn’t let anything knock him down.”
Cherie Howie is an Auckland-based reporter who joined the Herald in 2011. She has been a journalist for more than 20 years and specialises in general news and features.