Charities supported

This summer the Scorching Triathlons will be supporting two Charities,

Please click on their logos to find out more, or continue reading below

NZ Heart Foundation

The Heart Foundation supports research for the benefit of all New Zealanders and has spent more than $25 million in this area since its establishment. We fund project grants and grants-in-aid, training fellowships to enable researchers to further their studies overseas, research fellowships and postgraduate scholarships which provide an opportunity for people to carry out research in New Zealand. We also fund eight summer students each year. The Foundation also supports a University Chair in Cardiovascular Studies based at the University of Otago’s School of Medicine.

Heart Foundation-funded research includes:

• The links between hormones and heart disease
• The causes and effects of high blood pressure
• The use of different drug therapies to treat newborn babies and infants after heart surgery
• The causes and treatment of rheumatic fever
• The role of hormone replacement
• Development of non-surgical techniques for repair of congenital heart defects in children
• Examining the mechanisms which lead to development of artherosclerosis in coronary arteries
• Determining the role of low-dose aspirin in preventing the development of blood clots
• Studies to reduce the renarrowing of arteries after balloon angioplasty.

The Scorching Triathlons will be supporting NZ Heart Foundation during the February Valentines Scorcher

Kenzie’s Gift

Kenzie was 3,
she died of cancer
Kenzie’s Gift is her legacy

The legacy of Kenzie’s Gift is not a story of miracles.

It is one of gutsy determination, tenacity and love of an amazing little girl, Kenzie Eireann.

Kenzie was a girl who simply loved life. A thrill seeker from day one she relentlessly pursued fun and boisterous activities. Her mischievous spirit and angelic looks ensured she was a favourite with everyone who encountered her. During her first happy years no-one could have predicted the rollercoaster that lay ahead for Kenzie, her mum Nic and brother Conor.

Kenzie was just 2 years and 5 months old when her battle for survival began. After weeks of pain, frustration, doctor’s visits and admission into Starship Hospital she was finally diagnosed with a paraspinal cancerous tumour – a tumour that left her paralysed.

Kenzie had major surgery, followed by aggressive chemotherapy; treatment that would push most adults to the brink. But as disturbing to Nic as the physical side of Kenzie’s disease was the emotional one:

• Kenzie had been in pain.
• She was still in pain.
• Her body could no longer do the things it used to.
• She was away from the only home she knew.
• She was away from her brother and the cat she loved to tease.
• She was in a strange bed, surrounded by strange people, equipment, smells and noises. Her spirit was damaged.

With the right sort of help and through the universal language of play Kenzie’s strength of spirit began to shine through and the little girl of old started to emerge from the tiny frightened cocoon that had enveloped her.

Despite this incredible, emotional progress and although Kenzie eventually won her battle with cancer she did not survive.  Her little body was pushed further than it could manage and on the 29th December 2005 Kenzie died from acute infection.

Yet through all of this tragedy there comes hope – during her short life Kenzie endured more than most of us wish to comprehend and yet she learnt to live, to love and to laugh again. To ensure Kenzie’s lasting legacy we want to give other families the opportunities that Kenzie had and ensure the provision of psychological assistance for all enduring cancer.

The facts

Cancer is the biggest killer and cause of disability in children and adults in New Zealand
There are 327 new diagnoses each week affecting 5232 family members 30% of individuals suffer anxiety and 35% depression. Research has shown therapeutic interventions improve quality of life Kenzie’s Gift will provide community based specialist practitioners to assist with the emotional stress that families affected by cancer are under Patch Adams, M.D, made famous by the film starring Robin Williams, fully endorses Kenzie’s Gift and is on the Board of Advisors

www.kenziesgift.com

The Scorching Triathlons will be supporting Kenzies Gift at the March Scorcher:

All participants throughout the season will have the opportunity to donate online to Kenzie’s Gift.  100% of these donations will be given to Kenzie’s Gift.

Kenzie’s Mum, Nic, will be racing at the March event.  Follow her training and build up on her Facebook Page.