Community walking to help little Cory

The Ngongotaha community has banded together to organise a fundraising event to help cover 4-year-old Cory Josephs' ongoing medical costs for cancer - and they're hoping other members of the community get involved.

Cory, 4, was diagnosed with an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma tumour in January and it was removed immediately.

He then started 12 hours of intensive chemotherapy on February 3 in Auckland and now receives treatment in Rotorua every week. However, every three weeks Cory has to travel to Auckland for more intensive treatments.

Ngongotaha community members decided they needed to help. They formed a group called the Ngongotaha Crusaders and have organised a Family Fun Walk Event 4 Cory to be held at the Ngongotaha Domain on June 17 as a fundraiser.

Spokeswoman Janina Khan said many of those involved in the group had been affected by cancer in some way, either directly or indirectly, and through the fundraiser they hoped to relieve the Josephs of some financial pressure while also sharing a day of remembrance for those who have battled cancer and illness.

The Family Fun Walk Event 4 Cory will include a four-hour walk, which participants will do as individuals or teams, and games and activities such as face painting, a motorcycle show and shine, stock-car rides, live auction, live music from reggae band NRG Rising and Copious Ail and more. An auction of goods ranging from gift baskets to accommodation packages, white-water rafting, firewood, electronics, art and more will also be run.

Ms Khan said the event would go ahead no matter what the weather and all money raised would be donated to Cory Josephs' family.

The Josephs have had their world turned upside down. Since Cory has had medical treatment, He has gone from a child who enjoyed spending time with his friends and playing outside with his pets to a sick and tired boy who isn't allowed to go to daycare or go outside and play because he has no immune system.

Cory has another five years to go before his parents will know if he is clear of cancer.

Early registrations will cost $5 per person and $1 per child under 15. For team or individual registration contact Janina Khan or Missy Hale on (07) 357 4195 or (027) 846 6349, (027) 254 1554.