This year's Child Cancer Foundation Appeal is fronted by Kavahn Taumatauka, Claudia Little and Hana Ellis-Kaa. They represent all New Zealand children with cancer and are helping to raise funds for the Child Cancer Foundation by appearing in advertising and media coverage.

Kavahn Taumatauka
Kavahn means handsome in Gaelic, however he is more than just a handsome face appearing on the Child Cancer Foundation appeal posters. The cheeky six year old is an avid T-ball player, excels at swimming sports and loves to play Nintendo games.

Last October Kavahn’s mother Jacqi took Kavahn to his local doctor after he had a lingering cough and a runny nose. The results from a blood test later that afternoon lead him to be diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

Kavahn is in the early stages of his treatment, and it is his positive attitude that is helping his family through the cancer journey. “He is such a trooper” says Jacqi. She recalls when Kavahn’s hair first started falling out; it was Kavahn who was comforting her by telling her that everything was okay and wiping the tears away from her face.

The Child Cancer Foundation’s Beads of Courage programme has provided encouragement for both Kavahn and Jacqi during Kavahn’s treatment. Kavahn has even added his own personal touch to his necklace, with a letter ‘K’ which he proudly describes as “his bling.” Kavahn is one cool kid.

Claudia Little
Bubbly and energetic Claudia Little is ecstatic to be a poster kid for this years appeal.
The brave five year old was diagnosed with Wilms Tumour in June 2009 and has just finished her last chemotherapy session.

She was initially admitted to Starship Children’s Hospital with appendicitis. However during surgery doctors discovered a large haematoma on her kidney. An ultrasound and biopsy later diagnosed her with Wilms Tumour.

Claudia has been courageous throughout her treatment plan which has included numerous weeks of chemotherapy, removal of her kidney, radiation, blood tests, x-rays and ultrasounds. She has collected approximately 180 beads for the Beads of Courage programme and is looking forward to receiving her Purple Heart milestone bead upon completion of treatment.

Hana Ellis-Kaa
Hana may seem familiar to some, as she was the face of the Child Cancer Foundation’s annual appeal last year. In August 2007 Hana’s parents were concerned with her limping for no apparent reason. She was referred by her doctor to Starship Children’s Hospital, and the results from a blood test helped to diagnose her with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). Receiving 824 beads on the Beads of Courage programme from 26 months of treatment, the confident six year old completed her treatment last October.

Hana has been strong throughout the various procedures she has had to undergo, though the weight of the number of beads on her necklace is proving to be unbearable for the six year old to wear all at one time. Her mother, Ngarino Ellis, is planning on having the beads framed so Hana can reflect back on the journey she has been through.

After having an enjoyable summer break with her family, Hana is looking forward to the new school year.

The Child Cancer Foundation’s annual appeal week is from March 8th to March 14th 2010.