Healing Through Music: Fundraiser Supports Local Oncology Units

Local music lovers are fundraising for Whakatāne and Rotorua Oncology Units while celebrating music month with four open mic nights in May.

The May fundraiser coincides with New Zealand Music Month and marks three years since organiser Tania Masters’ brother, Ian Hunia, passed away from cancer.

Hunia passed within weeks of being diagnosed with an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer.

"We went from trying to figure out what was going on, to then be transferred to Tauranga to be told that he had that form of cancer and there was nothing that they could do."

Masters said her brother was a huge influence in her life, and deeply embedded in the local music scene. 

After his death, she struggled to reconnect with music until attending a Musos open mic night last year with another brother.

"We went to an open mic day at Hotel Matatā and that was the first time I actually got up to play the drums."

"From there, hanging out with the Musos, I found out that some of them had passed away from some form of cancer, some of them are actually going through the journey of navigating cancer at the moment."

Seeing how many in the local music communit had been affected, Masters decided to honour her brother and others through a fundraising event. 

"I wanted to do something for the locals, by the locals, to the local oncology units, which ended up being Whakatāne and Rotorua hospitals."

Across the first three Sundays of May and on Saturday, May 30, open mic nights will be held across the Eastern Bay to raise funds and awareness. 

Muso and Hotel Matatā open mic orgainiser William (Wilz) John Kirk said the kaupapa has struck a chord.

He said most people have had a connection to cancer, so honouring local talent while also celebrating music month makes sense. 

"I think it's important that we all get behind New Zealand Music Month and support that kaupapa, taking into account that music is another form of healing, and it's also a universal language that everyone can relate to."

"So it's really a no-brainer that we should bring the two kaupapa together to raise funds for the Oncology Units and fight against cancer."

Kirk said musicians of any level and music lovers are welcome.  

"It's the quickest way to learn how to become a musician, you can play in the closet for years and years, and you'll never really get any better."

"Once you get out there and actually do it, then you'll see where you're really at and where you are with regard to other people."

He said open mic nights allow like-minded people to share expertise and refine their performances. 

"Just to experience what music can actually do to the soul, and bring people together. That's what it's all about."

Masters said music has played a key role in her own healing journey.

"It's given me the strength and confidence that I need. I don't cry as much when I talk about my brother anymore."

"I enjoy hanging out with them. I miss my brother, but I'm hoping I make him proud in everything that I do music-wise," she said. 

The fundraiser will raise awareness about early cancer detection and support Rotorua and Whakatāne Oncology Unit patients. 

Masters said improving awareness of local resources is critical.

"Early detection, education, support, love and help can actually help towards those navigating that journey."

Since planning the fundraiser, Masters and her son both experienced cancer scares but have since been cleared.

"It's very stressful, navigating the diagnosis part of things, but that was only one part that I got to experience compared to those that have gone through it. "

Despite losing both her brother and father to cancer, Masters said she had never been inside an oncology unit until recently.

She has since spoken with Whakatāne staff to understand how funds could best support patients.

"We wanted to make sure any funds that we raise goes to the department, and goes to the individuals and the families that are currently navigating it."

Staff suggested fuel vouchers to help patients attend appointments, food vouchers, upgraded technology, and a water feature.

“Culturally, there was an idea for a water fountain at the front that whānau could use.”

A former patient also suggested brightly coloured rooms to help lift morale.

Staff and patients have been grateful for the fundraiser, with some set to speak at the Mother’s Day event at Mata Beer on May 10th.

"We're going to have a couple of patients that are going to be talking on their experience of navigating cancer, so they're very appreciative of any donations that they get."

Donations will be collected through koha at the door, table fees, and raffles.

While Masters is focused on this cause, she said it is only the beginning.

"Some Musos also pass through heart attacks and other areas, so this is just the start of one kaupapa."

"Next year could be Heart Foundation, could be Dementia, or Music Month."

She hopes the initiative will continue to grow in the years ahead.