Meet the Awarau whānau

When Katarina and Hatara Awarau noticed a small lump on their young daughter Mirirangi’s stomach, they never imagined it would lead to a cancer diagnosis and a journey far from home. 

The family had settled into a quiet life in Masterton with their two children, enjoying life on the farm. Mirirangi, affectionately known as BooBoo, was a happy, outgoing little girl. Her younger brother, Rakayis – or Hunky, as the family calls him – loved his toys and food. 

But when the lump on Mirirangi’s stomach began to grow, her parents took her to hospital. An ultrasound revealed a suspected tumour, and the family was referred to Christchurch Hospital, where specialists confirmed she had a Wilms tumour on her kidney. 

Suddenly, their family life turned upside down. 

Mirirangi spent around two weeks in hospital before moving into Ronald McDonald House Christchurch with her parents. She began chemotherapy, followed by surgery to remove the tumour and her affected kidney. The operation lasted around 10 hours. 

Through it all, Mirirangi continued to amaze her parents. 

“She’s a fighter,” says Hatara. 

Now finishing her final week of chemotherapy, Mirirangi is preparing to return home to Masterton, with regular follow-up appointments ahead. 

For Katarina and Hatara, having a place to stay close to their daughter made an enormous difference. 

“It meant a lot. It took a lot of stress off our shoulders,” says Hatara. 

Before their stay, Hatara didn’t realise support like Ronald McDonald House existed. But being welcomed into the House, meeting the team and connecting with other families helped him feel less alone during an incredibly difficult time. 

It also showed him just how much families can need when their child is in hospital. 

And that experience stayed with him. 

Now, whenever Hatara sees an appeal for Ronald McDonald House, he wants to give back. This Christmas, the family is even planning to put money aside to donate to Ronald McDonald House rather than buying gifts. 

“We’ll donate it to Ronald McDonald House,” he says. “I think that would be amazing.” 

When a child needs hospital care,  families play a critical role in a child’s recovery. Ronald McDonald House makes it possible for families to stay together when they need it most. 

This Christmas, you can help make more family stays possible for families like the Awarau whānau. 

Be the beacon. Donate today and help keep the light on for families who can’t be home.