Tawhai's Very Own 'Malu' Wish
7-year-old Tawhai wanted nothing more than his very own 'Malu' - his grandmother's dog that helped him get through his treatment
Putting the Treat in Treatment
Inspired by his Omma's (grandmother's) Maltese Shih Tzu, Malu, 7-year-old Tawhai (pronounced "Tah-fye") wished "for a French bulldog to be my own".
"He used to go to his Omma's house while he was in treatment for his rhabdomyosarcoma (childhood cancer) and it was a little bit of normality for him, playing with Malu," says Tawhai's mum, Lani, "It's one of the things that got him through treatment and a puppy is all he's wanted since then."
Lani also says that the family were surprised with Tawhai's wish during his school holidays.
"When they arrived, he fully ran out the door, picked her up, and the smile that was on his face was out of this world! It was just the most beautiful, beautiful moment."
The Return of Laughter
When asked if she noticed any changes in Tawhai's personality or attitude since having his wish granted, Lani replied, "Honestly, from the bottom of my heart, I have not heard him laugh like this since he finished treatment. It's been quite hard. But together, they are just like big balls of energy!"
Even Tawhai's sister, who just turned 10, has felt the impact of her brother's wish.
"She's also at that age of liking puppies, you know, and she kind of suffered a lot through Tawhai's treatment as well. Like kind of being on the back burner. So it's meant a lot for her to have a little puppy to play with too. And I'm not going to lie, I feel like I'm a bit of a Frenchy Mum now as well. She's just the perfect fit in our home."
We just want to say thank you and we're extremely grateful for Make-A-Wish and for everything that you've done for Tawhai. It's just brought so much happiness to both him and his sister. It makes me really teary.
Lani Tawhai's mum
