A Taupō plumber named Cade is facing a stage four cancer diagnosis, with his wife pregnant with their third child and two young daughters at home - and the wider Taupō community has responded in force.
Cade first noticed a choking sensation in his throat late last year. After being referred for an ultrasound in Rotorua, he received a phone call in December confirming thyroid cancer. Further scans revealed the cancer had spread to his lungs and spine.
"They need to do a CT scan to see if it's spread further," Cade told Lake FM. "The CT confirmed that it seemed like it went to the lungs and into the spine."
With treatment now underway, Cade is no longer able to work placing significant financial and practical pressure on the family as they also prepare to welcome a new baby.
Community advocate Amanda Binding heard about Cade's situation and began organising support. A working bee is being planned to help finish renovations on the family home, including retaining walls, exterior decking, and balustrades - work Cade had been pushing through on himself before his health declined.
An impressive list of local businesses have already pledged support, including Mitre 10, Euro Scaffolding, Guthrie Bowron, EnviroNZ, Trident Homes, Fauchelle Builders, Scott Build Construction, Trident Earthmoving, Higgins Concrete, Subway Taupō, and Pak'nSave Taupō. Tree removal work has already begun.
Organisers say the working bee date is being finalised over the coming weeks. Tradies, builders, painters, or anyone with practical skills are encouraged to text the word HELP to 551 - you'll be put in touch with Amanda directly.
A Give a Little page titled Walking by Faith for Kade has also been set up to help cover essential living expenses for the family.
"Sometimes the people who need help the most are the least likely to ask," the Give a Little page reads. "Cade has always been someone others could rely on, now it's our turn to stand beside him."
