Couple overwhelmed by community support

RGP 27Feb15 - FAMILY COURAGE: Shane Simpkins, with partner Sam and daughters Sophia, 4, and Maia, 10 months.

It has been a hard year for former Rotorua raft guide Shane Simpkins, adjusting to life with a new baby, and the complexities of having a rare brain tumour.

Shane, 37, was diagnosed in November 2013 with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a rare brain cancer. His partner, Sam, 30, was four months pregnant with their second child and studying nursing full-time.

Shane, who now lives in Hamilton to be closer to the cancer lodge, says he went from being blissfully unaware of what was about to happen, to being told he has a tumour, to meeting with the oncologist, discussing GBMs and what treatment options there were, all in the space of two days.

"I didn't want to know. It was too much to take in. No one will tell me what I can and can't do, I refuse to see it as a death sentence," Shane says.

Shane lived in Rotorua for two years and during this time, was a territorial soldier for the New Zealand army. It was while he was there that he learnt to raft with Raftbout, and then Wet 'n' Wild, before working with Kaitiaki on the annual police raft race held on the Kaituna.

Shane's partner Sam says that through his two major brain surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, the couple has been overwhelmed with the support from friends in Rotorua.

"Rotorua, more specifically the river there, is a very spiritual place for him as that's where he learnt to be a raft guide, leading him to travel overseas and travel the Americas, and of course, meeting me. The rafting community is a close-knit family of guides that Shane calls his brothers."

Shane says the love and support that they have been shown over the last 15 months is testament to the fact that there are amazing people here in our communities.

"Through the online funding page, I have been able to embrace a holistic approach to this journey with cancer, overhauling my lifestyle to one that not only utilises surgery and western treatments, but also eating a diet of whole organic food, taking an array of supplements that support my body to fight the cancer and meditation/yoga each day. It's a big change from the old 'raft guide Shane' living it up in Rotorua back in the day."

Sam says there have been numerous fundraising events organised around Rotorua to help fund Shane's treatments, the latest being Shane's Super Skyline Extravaganza being held this weekend.

"Shane loved spending time mountain biking before getting sick, so it's only fitting that Shaun is organising these events in the beautiful hills of Rotorua to get people stoked on life, as Shane does not have the energy to be out enjoying one of his passions at the moment."

Shane has just undergone a second brain surgery and his latest scan results post surgery show that more treatment will be required at a cost of around $70,000.

Event organiser and Shane's close friend Shaun Holden says they are in need of more participants if their set target is to be reached.

"We wanted a maximum of 50 people but I think it's more like 10-12 that have signed up. All money raised will go to Shane's give-a-little page to help him in his fight to kick cancers ass. This is my second fundraiser in Rotorua the first being the now infamous Shuttles for Shane in June last year which raised $1300.

"The idea is all riders that partake in the event go and get sponsorship for the amount of downhill runs they will try and do, $1 or $2 a run, or a donation if that's easier. There will be prizes awarded for the most runs and the most money raised. We really hoped to raise $5000 but I think somewhere around $1000 is more realistic with the numbers of participants."

The couple say they are positive about Shane's recovery and keeping in touch with friends and family makes their journey more bearable.

"The Give-a-little and Facebook page have been a way that we are able to keep all of our beautiful family and supporters up to date with what is going on, and we are often left speechless with the outpouring of love and positivity that we receive. We are truly grateful as this makes our journey to kick cancer's butt that much more do-able."

Shane's Super Skyline Extravaganza is being held Saturday February 28 from 10am to 2pm at Skyline Rotorua. To find out more about the event and how to sponsor riders call Shaun on 021 171 8069 or to donate go to www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/kickingcancercampaign.