Taine's Dragon Wish

When Taine was diagnosed with ALL, the first 6 months were incredibly challenging. Taine and his parents Terry and Theresa spent the bulk of their time in Starship Hospital where each week normalities consisted of numerous visits and admissions to Starship and Terry was forced to take that time off work.

Life was most difficult on Taine, who almost overnight entered a world of limitations where the words “you can’t”, “you won’t” and “you’re too sick” were the norm. He missed an entire year of school due to chemotherapy and put on a substantial amount of weight. With hospital visits consuming their lives, it took a toll on the entire family.

The love of Taine’s family though provided him with a great support system, allowing him to get through the tougher months and begin to look forward to the future.

Currently on daily maintenance Chemotherapy, Taine is looking ahead to 2018 when he will hopefully receive the all clear and be able to move ahead with a life full of possibilities.

During Taine’s treatment Terry and Theresa applied to Make-A-Wish for one of our special, unique and magical wishes. With no idea what Taine’s one true wish might be, and after a number of visits to meet him, this October will see Taine receive an interesting addition to his family – an Inland Bearded Dragon named Black Thunder.

Taine is an intelligent young boy who we’ve come to discover has a strong passion for wildlife and in particular Lizards. His house is filled with dragon, lizard and dinosaur toys and teddies and on October 26th will see him add a real, live pet Dragon to the mix.

Taine’s wish journey will see him visit zoo keepers at the Auckland Zoo, where he will learn about caring for and feeding his dragon, he’ll create his own enclosure and finally be presented with Black Thunder, an inland Bearded Dragon, with our friends at the Auckland Zoo on October 26th.

"Taine doesn't know the exact date he will receive his dragon but he talks about it everyday, and is so excited." Theresa

Using #TainesDragon, people will be able to share their messages of support for Taine and his family, follow along with his journey and donate directly to his wish.

All money raised will go directly to Taine’s wish and other’s like it.