Shining a light on brain tumours
From left to right: Jess Kho’s daughter, Judith Ngeaw, is pictured greeting her father at the airport; TJ Inia-McGarvey poses in front of her pop-up stall. Her beloved Nan, “Addy”, is pictured in the framed photo.
Brain Tumour Support NZ would like to thank everyone who contributed to the 2021 International Brain Tumour Awareness Week by shining a light on brain tumours. Despite the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, some wonderful events were held while many people shared our social media posts and articles from Scoop and the NZ Herald.
Kate Coatsworth and Erena Mikaere at the “In Honour of Addy” fundraiser in Rotorua.
In Rotorua, 10-year old TJ Inia-McGarvey and her whānau held a sports day at the Geyser City Squash Club, raising awareness and funds for Brain Tumour Support NZ. The event was called “In Honour of Addy”, in honour of TJ’s grandmother and best friend who sadly passed away from brain cancer last year. Sports, games, competitions and pop-up stores made for a fun-filled day for all.
Brain Tumour Support NZ ambassador and WBOP Magic netball star, Erena Mikaere, covered the activities for Maori Television and Rotorua radio station The Heat FM broadcast live from the event. Also making an appearance was Brain Tumour Support NZ fundraising champion, Kate Coatsworth. Kate said it was a privilege to represent BTSNZ at this event. “So much hard work and aroha from TJ and her whānau went in to making this successful event happen and it was great to be a part of supporting such a worthy cause,” Kate said.
Judith Ngeaw
When Aucklander Jess Kho wanted to do something in remembrance of her daughter Judith Ngeaw, she decided to do the one thing that she knows best. She baked. Jess, who runs a home catering business, donated a portion of her proceeds to Brain Tumour Support NZ and also set up a Givealittle page for those outside her delivery area. Judith was just 31 years old when she passed away in October 2019, just a few weeks after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour. It was a bitter sweet time for Jess and her family. “I felt Judith’s presence in the midst of us at this sad and memorable time. Being busy smelling all the buns and puffs helped,” said Jess.
“Miracle Baby Over the Moon” by Ben Winters features in “Brilliance!” a virtual art exhibition curated by the International Brain Tumour Alliance
International Brain Tumour Awareness Week is a global event and nothing epitomises this more than the virtual art exhibition “Brilliance!” curated by UK non-profit the International Brain Tumour Alliance (IBTA). This online art catalogue celebrates the uniqueness and creativity of the global brain tumour community and includes selected art works from patients, family members, friends and healthcare professionals from around the world. New Zealand is represented in this year’s catalogue by Ben Winters, Kate Winters and Lynda Tse. Brain Tumour Support NZ congratulates them on this brilliant achievement.