Flavell gets behind fundraising effort for 2-year-old with rare cancer

Ka'iulani Forbes needs funds to fight a rare form of cancer. Photo/supplied

A fundraising drive for a 2-year-old suffering from a rare form of cancer will be held in Rotorua this weekend.

Waiariki MP and Maori Party co-Leader Te Ururoa Flavell has got behind the fundraising effort for Ka'iulani Forbes from Hamilton and is urging locals to donate if they can.

Ka'iulani and her whanau began a 200km hikoi todayto raise money for treatment that is urgently needed. Other events are also being held throughout the North Island to raise much needed money for the young girl.

It took 50 visits to a number of medical experts before Ka'iulani (Waikato, Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Whatua, Ngapuhi) was diagnosed with a rare cancer, neuroblastoma.

Mr Flavell said the aggressive cancer had so far been unresponsive to treatments offered in New Zealand.

"The whanau require funds to enable them to access specialist treatment in the United States which will provide Ka'iulani with the greater chance of surviving this cancer," Mr Flavell said.

"A very good friend of mine is an aunt to this kotiro [young girl], and asked if I would get on board with them and use my profile to raise some putea [money] and awareness around the efforts the whanau are making. I was only too happy to help."

A range of fundraising events have taken place to date, with the Chiefs rugby team, led by Liam Messam, raising about $50,000.

Waikite Gym in Rotorua plan a special fundraiser this Saturdaybetween 9am and 11am called the 100 Bead Challenge.

The challenge represents the beads of courage that Ka'iulani has received since she was diagnosed.

Anyone of any age and fitness level are invited to take part and adults are encourage to bring their children.

The challenge will see participants do 100 "reps" for 100 minutes, however those taking part can do whatever they can manage. Those taking up the challenge are being asked to bring a koha and a shared plate.

The hikoi will take place over seven days and covers 200km from Hauraki, Waihihi to Maketu, Kawhia. It isn't coming through Rotorua.

Ka'iulani's Givealittle page said cancer specialists had advised whanau that her best fighting chance was to access overseas treatment, including immunotherapy and newly approved medications and treatments.

However, it would mean they would need to move to the United States for up to a year.

It will cost more than $350,000 for these treatments with one quote from a leading child cancer hospital to be more than $2 million. In addition the family face the cost of relocation and living overseas without income.

So far the Givealittle page has raised nearly $77,000.

How can you help?
- Go to https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/kaiulani to make a donation
- Join the hikoi or see what other fundraising events are planned, www.facebook.com/hikoi4kaiulani