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 Updates
Ngā mihi nui! Thank you!
Saturday 14th Jun
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.
$237.38
King’s High School Lunch Time Collection
$211
Michelle Taiaroa
$211
Anonymous
You can do it Tai, you're a warrior.
$200
Rakete-gray Whānau
$158.25
Team Stonelake
Keep being a positive energy and thank you for making a difference. Love and respect always.
$126
Fifty Six Studio
Awesome support of your mate lads, with an even greater mindset from Tai & team being shown.
$118.16
Dickson Family
$118.16
Kirsten, Dan, Joe, Jacob & Mihi Parkinson
You’ve got this Tai. Great kaupapa and so cool your mates have got your back.
$118.16
Robyn And Matt Mclean (harington Point)
Awesome to see you all doing this for Tai and his Whānau!
$118.16
Carter Smith
$118.16
Warren And Disa Walker
So much love to you and your whānau Tai.
$118.16
Anonymous
$118.16
Hall Family
$118.16
Subway Andy Bay
$118.16
Fav Aunty Kate Smith
What a bunch of fine young men you all are supporting your "brother". Karawhiua!!!
$112
Ash La Hood
$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
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
Broek Whanau
Let’s go Lion 🦁
$105.50
Suzie Harrold
We all walk with you Tai 💙🦁
$105.50
City Autoglass Ltd
$105.50
Connor Macdonald
$105.50
Katrina Parsons
$100
Lund Whānau
Great work men! Sending Aroha to you and your whānau always Tai x
$100
Daniel Jephson
Stay strong, keep those positive thoughts………you got this!!! Here for you always.
$100
Batchelor Family, Carmen, Marc, Samuel & Jacob
Way to go King's High School 👏 Keep up the good fight Tai, much aroha to you and whanau ❤️
$59.40
Deb And Chaz Williams
Super proud of this schools comradely, friends supporting Tai’s journey, amazing story
$58.02
Jacob Field
Absolute legend mate! Keep it pushin 🤟
$58.02
Allan And Heather Soper
$58.02
Mum Field
Sending lots of love and hugs x
$58.02
Alana Irvine
$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
Anonymous
Good luck for the rest of the season 🦁
$58.02
Odelle Morshuis
$58.02
Nick Coombe
$58.02
Taiaroa Royal
$58.02
Edna Stevenson
$58.02
Heath Tatana
All the best Tai ... you got this. Tatana-Yorke whānau
$58.02
Tina Owens
$54
Michaela, Hoani & Matiu
$52.75
Moeahu Whanau
$52.75
Jack Campbell
Love ya work bro
$52.75
Aaron Apii
$52.75
Jenny And John Heller
Best wishes to Tai and well done to his rugby team mates for getting behind this.
$52.75
Nan And Pop Murray
$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
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
$42.20
Keri O’connor
Loved helping towards this emotional cause today
$42.20
Ben Sommerville
$41
Louis Green
$31.65
Lyn Reay
Great effort 💫
$30
Anonymous
$29.54
Anonymous
$29.54
Sophie Mills
Good on ya Charlie 💛
$29.54
Mon & Moxy Smith
All the best Tai!
$29.54
Anonymous
$29.54
Dawn Hope
$29.54
Rebecca Hilton
$28
Angus Macgregor
$28
Candace Christensen
You’ve got this Tai!
$26.38
Anonymous
Good on you, boys! Great to see you supporting a friend and teammate, along with such a good cause.
$26.38
Moana Wesley
$26.38
Barbara M
All the best!
$26.38
Connagh Wesley
Kia kaha Tai
$23
Mana Aumata
$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
Griffin Wingham
Win the comp lads
$21.10
Anonymous
$21.10
Niall Gregg
Kia kaha. Raiona. 🔵🦁
$21.10
Olly Walsh
$21.10
Fi N
$21.10
J Pattison
From the Pattison whanau
$20
Emily Tikey
All the best Tai!
$15.82
Carter Dermody
$15.82
Holly Pool
$15.82
Tilly Ruthven
$15.82
Jones Whanau
$15.82
Luka Moir
$10.55
Stevens
$10.55
Anonymous
$10.55
Alex
$10.55
Broghan Van Aalst
$10.55
Maz
$10.55
Anonymous
$10.55
Anonymous
$10.55
Lipe
Proud of you uso🙏🏽
$10.55
Chloe Robinson
$10.55
Phoebe
$10
Emma Maley
$5.28
Anonymous
$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"