Tane, 8, Adrenal Gland Tumour
When Tane was diagnosed with an adrenal gland tumour, everything changed. The young boy had to get painful surgery to remove the tumour, spent countless days in hospital, and had to pull out of school for his treatments. “It’s had a huge impact on him,” explains his mum Hope. “He’s been out of school for a year.”
While in treatment for his adrenal gland tumour, Tane and his family faced another obstacle. “When Tane was in oncology, they found he has a separate issue that he was born with. He has to have surgery on his skull.”
With this new surgery looming, Tane needs his wish to look forward to. His wish is for a new gaming set-up – including a new PC and monitors.
For Tane, this wish is about more than playing games. Tane has missed long periods of school because of his treatments, which means he misses out on seeing his friends. Gaming gives him a way to still connect with his friends, even when recovering from gruelling hospital procedures.
Some of Tane’s best friends have been made through gaming. “Over COVID, Tane became best friends with a few boys his age in Australia. They video call and talk every day – I’m friends with the parents. When Tane was in hospital, his friends in Australia were sending him boxes and big packages.” Tane’s wish will not only strengthen these existing friendships but will also strengthen the community of support he has around him, during such a difficult time.
Hope says Tane’s ultimate dream is to be a professional e-sports gamer. “His life revolves around it, but he doesn’t have the equipment.” Tane’s wish will give him the equipment he needs to make his greatest dream come true.
Katie*, 5, Heart Condition
Katie is an outgoing and bubbly five-year-old girl. She loves swimming, bike riding and drawing, but most of all she loves fairytales.
Things have been hard for Katie and her family after she was diagnosed with a serious heart condition. She's had to have painful procedures at starship, and has to take medication for her heart.
Katie's one true wish is for a castle playhouse with a slide. She dreams of feeling like a princess, while playing and having fun with her friends outside.
*Please note we have changed Katie's name and used a stock photo.
James*, 9, Metabolic Condition
James suffers from a metabolic condition which means he is non-verbal and has a mostly liquid diet.
James' one true wish is to visit Queenstown with his family. He has never been to the South Island before, and dreams of seeing the beauty and scenery of the nature in Queenstown.
*Please note we have changed James' name and used a stock photo.
