04/04/2014 - With Love from the Whanau Leading up to the end of Week 6, TVNZ Marae (approached us) spent two days following and filming Iris' journey before it was edited and aired on Sunday 30th March, 10am. We decided to share Iris's story for a couple of reasons. 1st to raise awareness to the rare type of cancer she has as only 2-3 children in NZ a year are diagnosed with DIPG and the 2nd, let it be a small part of our story, a record for Iris and Tutavake as seen and told by us. I watched it with a friend while Tuaanu took Iris and Tutavake out Pirate Golfing. Feeling pleased and with good feeling, after talking to Tuaanu we sat with Iris and Tutavake and watched it with them. Tutavake yells...I'm famous lol, Iris was a little more modest and just laughed. Tuaanu and I purposely spoke loudly over top a few statements, other than that we were pleased it wasn't as raw as some news items can be and instead it treated Iris with the love, care and respect she deserves. Thank you Kayne Peters - TVNZ Marae for caring, for the countless hours of editing and for beautifully sharing our journey. To Cameraman Pat for making us feel comfortable and for capturing our brave girl on film! Iris earned her 'purple heart' bead congratulating her on completing her daily, 6week raidothreaphy sessions and the Minion bead (the still shot during the intro to the segment) was earnt for showing bravery and courage. Even without the daily 10am treatment session we've had a busy week with follow up appointments with doctors, specialists, team and ward visits. On Tuesday 1st April Iris celebrated by having her ears pierced choosing blue daisys, gone are the days of having only two choices of either gold or silver studs! Iris has enjoyed singing and creating during Friday Arts Class at school and more recently a a bus ride to town and a class trip to Te Papa Museum. She wrote in her journal ""... to see the exhibition...""! meitaki ma'ata
