Mind Over Grey Matter Launched
Mind Over Grey Matter, North Hagley Park, 8 May 2021
As he battled through the after effects of multiple surgeries to remove a brain tumour, probably the last thing on Jadyn Katene’s mind was running 10 kilometres. However, following a clear MRI in November 2020 and the okay from his doctors, he laid out a plan to do exactly that.
Lauren and Jadyn raised $3000 for Brain Tumour Support NZ
With the encouragement and support of partner Lauren, Jadyn set about organising the inaugural “Mind Over Grey Matter” event – a 5/10km Walk or Run through Christchurch’s North Hagley Park to raise awareness about brain tumours and to fundraise for Brain Tumour Support NZ. The event was scheduled for 8 May 2021, in recognition of Brain Cancer Awareness Month.
This would be no “walk in the park” for Jadyn. When he was first diagnosed with his brain tumour in 2017 while living in Melbourne, he fractured his lower spine after suffering a grand-mal seizure in bed. What followed was multiple brain surgeries, including an awake craniotomy, which required Jadyn to be awake during the procedure.
“The tumour was in the left frontal lobe where my speech and motor function are located. Without me being awake, there was a risk of me being paralysed on the right side of my body and without speech,” Jadyn said.
Following the operation Jadyn was faced with months of intense rehabilitation, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and counselling. He also spent six months in a spinal brace. Not long after his last operation in September 2019 at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, Jadyn and Lauren moved back home to Christchurch where Jadyn continued his rehab.
Jadyn Katene and Lauren Moulton
Despite his personal battle, Jadyn wanted to do something for others diagnosed with brain tumours and raising funds for Brain Tumour Support NZ was an obvious choice. Lauren said: “We loved the services and support BTSNZ were providing to patients, caregivers and whanau, especially the amazing Brain Boxes. We wish we had one when Jadyn was first diagnosed.”
On 8 May 2021, the couple gathered with friends, family and supporters at North Hagley Park in Christchurch and the first ever Mind Over Grey Matter walk/run was completed. All in all they raised $3,000 for Brain Tumour Support NZ, an incredible effort!
Lauren said: “We learned a lot from BTSNZ and received amazing support throughout our planning process. We also became a lot healthier, both physically and mentally and continue to see the benefits now.”
Jadyn and Lauren now hope to make Mind Over Grey Matter an annual event in the Brain Cancer Awareness Month calendar. They have also started an Instagram account to help others understand what life is like with a brain tumour diagnosis.