JOSHUA Ranapia had been experiencing extreme pain in his back, which was thought to be bursitis and then sciatica, before doctors came back with the diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma cancer.
“We were shocked,” said Mr Ranapia’s partner Sharday Cable.
“We thought we were dealing with a rugby injury and then this. We were rushed to Tauranga straight away and then Josh started radiation the next day.”
At only 23 years old, and a father and step-father of three young children, the usually fit and strong rugby player is looking at six months of intensive chemotherapy to prolong his life.
Ewing sarcoma cancer is rare, it grows in the soft tissue around bones and usually affects children and adolescents.
If treated early it is usually curable, but Mr Ranapia’s cancer has spread and is now in several places in his body.
“He has a large tumour on his spine,” said Miss Cable. “This might cause him to lose mobility in his legs, so the doctors are hoping to shrink it with the chemo.”
Because of the intensive treatment plan and the support Mr Ranapia will need, Miss Cable has had to give up work to become his full-time carer.
“He’ll be doing chemo five days a week; we haven’t seen him sick yet, but we will,” she said.
“He’s been really amazing considering; he just wants to make the most of our time together and maintain as much normalcy as possible.”
Miss Cable describes her partner as being loyal, generous and kind.
“Josh has the most indescribable love for his family, every minute of every day is dedicated to being together. He has the best sense of humour and can make a joke out of most situations.
If you spend five minutes with him, you are guaranteed a good laugh. He just takes everything in his stride.”
The local community has rallied around the pair, donating money to support them while Mr Ranapia undergoes treatment.
“I’ve been trying to stay really really strong for the kids, said Miss Cable.
“But everyone has been really amazing, people have really been there for us.
“We have the best support and couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Despite the bad prognosis, Miss Cable is holding out hope for a full recovery.
“We have been told its incurable, but I’m staying hopeful. People have been here before and they have gotten better. It does happen.”
Miss Cable’s younger sister has set the pair up with a Givealittle page, so people can help with the costs of Mr Ranapia’s treatment and travel and living costs.
People can donate by going to givealittle.co.nz and searching “Josh Ranapia”.
There will also be a quiz night fundraiser on October 6 at the Rangitaiki Cosmopolitan Club from 6pm.
Proving rugby is about family
WITH strong familial connections to Poroporo, it was only natural that Joshua Ranapia’s Ngati Pukeko whanau would want to support him.
So, when Murupara came calling for the Fatty Nuku trophy on August 18, it was decided that the gate takings from the rugby game at Poroporo Park would go to Mr Ranapia.
The boys in red and blue couldn’t hold off a dominant Murupara team, losing the game 34-27 and the trophy. However, Poroporo Rugby and Sports club chairwoman Ngahuia Brown said they were still able to raise $1200 for Mr Ranapia.
“Fatty Nuku is about whanau, whanaungatanga and is a tradition within out club.
“It brings our iwi together, tamariki (children), mokopuna (babies), nga matua (parents) and kaumatua (grandparents). And the same can be said for all participating clubs who play for their iwi with a passion to take this prized taonga back to their iwi.
“The amount raised tells us there should have been around 300 people at the game, however there was probably considerably less and the amount raised reflects the aroha (love) by the people who came to watch the game and support Josh and his whanau.
“Seeing the final amount was overwhelming and we were so happy that we had this opportunity to contribute to this kaupapa (matter).”
Murupara lost the trophy to Ruatoki last week in a game that ended 24-16. Ruatoki will take on Poroporo on September 8 in the rechallenge.
The rules of the Fatty Nuku trophy dictate that the holders of it at the start of the season must have the last challenge of the round.
Last year, Poroporo locked up the trophy in their cabinet after beating Ruatoki, who had taken it off Murupara.
Mrs Brown said she had faith that Poroporo could repeat the feat in two weeks’ time.
charlotte.jones@whakatanebeacon.co.nz