We’d love you to meet Brendan. He’s just 15, but he’s already one of the coolest kids we know. Earlier this year Brendan got some really tough news – he has leukaemia, a type of blood cancer.
It’s actually been a difficult couple of years for Brendan and his family, because his grandma, who everyone called Nanny Sue, sadly passed away. Nanny Sue loved babies and children, and Brendan decided that with a little money they were left, they should do something to help make a difference in her honour.
Brendan’s been visiting Te Wao Nui Children’s Hospital for regular chemotherapy treatments and each time he noticed that the toys could use a little extra love. So, inspired by his Nanny Sue, Brendan decided to help. Despite his own health challenges and fatigue Brendan teamed up with his Mum Barb for a shopping spree to brighten up the hospital’s toy collection.
Today as Brendan and Barb visited Te Wao Nui’s Cancer Centre for another infusion, they brought along the toys, games, and other activities for kids undergoing chemotherapy treatment. He even thought about the needs of siblings, ensuring they too had something to keep them busy during treatment. Kids still want to be kids, even when fully immersed in a scary adult world with very little chance for the usual opportunities for play; and donations such as this remind us of that.
With a long 18 months of treatment ahead of him, Brendan’s facing it with quiet determination and courage. Brendan, you’re an outstanding example kindness and generosity, even in the face of your own struggles, and we wish you all the very best.
Pictured: Brendan with Jessica (Clinical Nurse Specialist: Paediatric Haematology / Oncology) and a small selection of the toys he donated.