Our mate Tai's story
Our mate Tai, is currently tackling his biggest match yet and just like a game of rugby he’s out to win! Fending the obstacles off left right and centre, getting knocked down and jumping straight back to his feet. We would love to support the people who support him, and give back to the people who have made his journey that little bit better. Join us as we do play our small part in supporting those doing it tough and those being there biggest cheerleaders.
Maiatanga, Kaiwhakamarumaru, he waka eke noa, kokiri!
My name is Taiaroa McDonald and in March of this year I was diagnosed with a type of blood cancer known as Hodgkin Lymphoma.
I am still on the windy road of tackling cancer but i’ve already learnt so much about who I am and how far I can push myself.
My mindset going into this year was to play a season of rugby I could look back on with a smile, but that has drastically changed. I now only think about what today will bring, and I think having that sort of mindset is key. Focusing only on what today will bring is much better than focusing on what next month or next year could bring due to today being the only thing you can change this very second.
Shave for a cure is an amazing opportunity to not only spread awareness for my type of cancer but to bring light to the incredible people that not only me, but every patient has had the pleasure of meeting. All of the nurses, oncologists, support people etc, the list goes on. These people pride themselves on helping others which I think is no little feat, and it is truly great what they do.
My Impact
My Donors
$520
Proctor Auctions
$520
Clark And Linda Mclean Cribbies
Excellent, great to see that your mates are supporting you Tai and have an awareness of what others also go through.
$250
Kramers Whānau
Shaving for an incredible cause, well done men.
$211
Michelle Taiaroa
$158.25
Team Stonelake
Keep being a positive energy and thank you for making a difference. Love and respect always.
$118.16
Warren And Disa Walker
So much love to you and your whānau Tai.
$118.16
Carter Smith
$118.16
Robyn And Matt Mclean (harington Point)
Awesome to see you all doing this for Tai and his Whānau!
$118.16
Dickson Family
$105.50
Heller Whānau
We are very proud of all you boys not only for doing this, but for being a great mate!
$105.50
Suzie Harrold
We all walk with you Tai 💙🦁
$105.50
Connor Macdonald
$105.50
Timmins Whānau
What a great way to support your mate and all the amazing heart people that support those who are fighting cancer!
$105.50
City Autoglass Ltd
$105.50
Broek Whanau
Let’s go Lion 🦁
$100
Daniel Jephson
Stay strong, keep those positive thoughts………you got this!!! Here for you always.
$58.02
Heath Tatana
All the best Tai ... you got this. Tatana-Yorke whānau
$58.02
Odelle Morshuis
$58.02
Thomas Boyes
$58.02
Roy Whanau
Lovely to see the support for your mate Tai and this great cause. Can’t wait to see Robbie’s before and after shave photo!
$58.02
Tina Owens
$58.02
Allan And Heather Soper
$58.02
Taiaroa Royal
$58.02
Edna Stevenson
$54
Michaela, Hoani & Matiu
$52.75
Nan And Pop Murray
$52.75
Jenny And John Heller
Best wishes to Tai and well done to his rugby team mates for getting behind this.
$52.75
Aaron Apii
$52.75
Ben Taylor
Kia kaha
$52.75
Rob Kinney
Very proud of you Tai and keep fighting mate. From your Pirates family Rob, Sonya, James and Fletcher Kinney
$52.75
Anonymous
$52.75
Te Kanawa Whānau
You’ve got this Tai. We are standing with you. Amazing mahi Charlie and the Kings firsts. Brothers for life.
$42.20
Ben Sommerville
$41
Louis Green
$29.54
Rebecca Hilton
$29.54
Mon & Moxy Smith
All the best Tai!
$29.54
Sophie Mills
Good on ya Charlie 💛
$29.54
Dawn Hope
$29.54
Anonymous
$28
Candace Christensen
You’ve got this Tai!
$28
Angus Macgregor
$26.38
Moana Wesley
$26.38
Connagh Wesley
Kia kaha Tai
$23
Mana Aumata
$21.10
J Pattison
From the Pattison whanau
$21.10
Kiedis Gray
Sorry I’m not buzzing bro. Don’t want to look like a retard on stage for kapa haka. Always here for you though.
$21.10
Olly Walsh
$21.10
Fi N
$20
Emily Tikey
All the best Tai!
$15.82
Carter Dermody
$15.82
Tilly Ruthven
$15.82
Luka Moir
$15.82
Holly Pool
$10.55
Broghan Van Aalst
$10.55
Maz
$10.55
Anonymous
$10.55
Chloe Robinson
$10.55
Lipe
Proud of you uso🙏🏽
$10.55
Alex
$10.55
Anonymous
$10.55
Stevens
$10.55
Phoebe
$10
Emma Maley
$5.28
Tom Houston
$5
To have one person in your corner in your lifetime is amazing. But for Tai to know that he has not just the 1st XV but the whole performance squad behind him supporting him is pretty special. You are a pretty amazing bunch of lads. "The strength of the Pride is the Lion, The strength of the Lion is the Pride"