Help Me Reach My Goal for Kiwi Hearts ❤️
Raised So Far
$2,769 raised toward my $6,000 goal
I’m Walking 84km This May for Kiwi Hearts
This May, I’m taking on the challenge of walking 84km as part of the Heart Foundation’s MyMarathon 2026 to help raise funds for lifesaving heart research in New Zealand.
My Progress
- Distance completed: 144km
- Target distance: 84km
- Funds raised: $2,769
Every step is personal.
My Heart Attack Changed My Life
On Thursday, 16 April 2026, I suffered a heart attack — something I never expected at 40 years old.
I had always considered myself relatively fit and healthy. Heart disease was never something I thought would affect me personally. But in a moment, everything changed.
I’m incredibly grateful to the amazing medical teams at Taupō and Waikato Hospitals who cared for me during one of the hardest moments of my life. Their skill, quick action, and support gave me a second chance. (And I’m pretty sure they also helped save them from a growling from my mum!)
Since then, I’ve learned just how common heart disease really is and how many Kiwi families are affected every single day.
This experience has inspired me to give back and help support research, treatment, and awareness for others who may one day face the same battle.
That’s why I’m proudly taking part in the Heart Foundation MyMarathon 2026.
How Your Donation Helps
Your support goes directly toward heart research and helping improve outcomes for New Zealanders living with cardiovascular disease.
Donation Examples
- $30 can help support vital heart health education and awareness.
- $60 helps cover the cost of a primer for testing acidity activity levels in tissue or blood samples used in cardiovascular disease diagnosis.
- $110 – $220 helps fund ongoing research, treatment development, and patient support initiatives.
Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference.
Thank You ❤️
To everyone who has supported, donated, shared kind words, or checked in on me — thank you. The support I’ve received has meant more than I can put into words.
My hope is that through this fundraiser, others facing heart disease can receive the same care, support, and second chance that I did.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Kaydon Rakei
