HELPING OUT: Good samaritans Dalea Shaw-Pokaia, Renee White and Andre Narbey. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 140314SP8
HELPING OUT: Good samaritans Dalea Shaw-Pokaia, Renee White and Andre Narbey. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 140314SP8
When Dalea Shaw-Pokaia read about the journey of Rotorua youngster Teimana Emery-Maaka she knew she had to do something to help.
So she did it in the best way she knew how - by organising an island luau night to raise money for Teimana's family as well as providing afun community event.
Teimana featured in the Rotorua Daily Post earlier this year after he was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease.
Symptoms of the rare disease include the loss of basic skills like sucking and head control, seizures and eventually organ complications. Teimana takes nine medicines each day and doctors have given him a life expectancy of one to two years, although there is a chance he may make it to his teens.
Ms Shaw-Pokaia said she had got together with one of Teimana's relatives, Renee White, to come up with the latest fundraiser after reading the interview in the paper with Teimana's mother Levi Emery.
"I just felt so inspired by her [Levi's] story and what a strong girl she is. I thought I had to do something."
The alcohol-free, smoke-free event will be held at the Malfroy School hall on April 5 and Ms Shaw-Pokaia hoped those who attended would dress up in bright island wear. The money raised will go to Teimana's family.
Tickets are $25 per person and are available from MusicWorks on Pukuatua St and Produce Plus on Brookland Rd. The last day for ticket sales will be this Friday.
