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
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
Suzie Harrold
We all walk with you Tai 💙🦁
$105.50
Connor Macdonald
$105.50
Broek Whanau
Let’s go Lion 🦁
$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
City Autoglass Ltd
$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
Allan And Heather Soper
$58.02
Odelle Morshuis
$58.02
Taiaroa Royal
$58.02
Edna Stevenson
$58.02
Tina Owens
$58.02
Thomas Boyes
$58.02
Heath Tatana
All the best Tai ... you got this. Tatana-Yorke whānau
$54
Michaela, Hoani & Matiu
$52.75
Anonymous
$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
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
Te Kanawa Whānau
You’ve got this Tai. We are standing with you. Amazing mahi Charlie and the Kings firsts. Brothers for life.
$52.75
Nan And Pop Murray
$42.20
Ben Sommerville
$41
Louis Green
$29.54
Mon & Moxy Smith
All the best Tai!
$29.54
Rebecca Hilton
$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
Fi N
$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
J Pattison
From the Pattison whanau
$21.10
Olly Walsh
$20
Emily Tikey
All the best Tai!
$15.82
Tilly Ruthven
$15.82
Luka Moir
$15.82
Holly Pool
$15.82
Carter Dermody
$10.55
Anonymous
$10.55
Maz
$10.55
Alex
$10.55
Anonymous
$10.55
Stevens
$10.55
Chloe Robinson
$10.55
Lipe
Proud of you uso🙏🏽
$10.55
Phoebe
$10.55
Broghan Van Aalst
$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"