Massage for a Difference
Valerie Vili shows real heart at charity event
On 12-13 February, the New Zealand College of Massage hosted a two-day charity event, Massage for a Difference, helping to just over $8,900 for the for the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation.
Held during the Valentine’s weekend, the event was the brainchild of leukaemia survivor James Roiauri. James organised the event with a goal to raise $10,000 for the LBF.
The event saw over 177 supporters including sporting celebrities and a local community leader, get behind the event by booking massages and demonstrating support.
On the Friday, the day before her first competition of the year, New Zealand shot putter and Olympic champion Valerie Vili gave her time to attend Massage for a Difference to show her support for James. And on Saturday, both netball legend, Silver Fern and coach, Yvonne Willering and Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, MP for Maungakiekie, attended the event to show support.
Valerie says: “I am grateful for the opportunity to support the event; I’ve had some amazing people help me along the way and I know how important it is to help others when I can.”
Now a student at the New Zealand College of Massage (NZCM), James developed the event to combine massage with his passion for inspiring people and encouraging others battling leukaemia and other blood cancers. James and nearly 40 NZCM students volunteered their time to provide massages to the public.
Pru Etcheverry, Executive Director of the LBF, says: “We are humbled by James and inspired by his positive attitude and enthusiasm. Raising awareness is critical; that’s been further highlighted by the recent release of the Ministry of Health report of cancer projections showing that the blood cancers, particularly lymphoma, are projected to continue to rise.”
James’ story
Wellington born, James is known to local haemotologists and hospital staff as Mr. 100 percent. He says: “When I am fighting for my life, whatever I believe in, I must believe in it 100 percent.”
In 2006, while living in Sydney, James (then 34), was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). He began his chemotherapy plan immediately.
“My world froze. There were a lot of tears and a lot of anger.” After the initial shock of diagnosis, James says his three fundamental beliefs are what got him through. They are, “In this order, my Heavenly Father, my family and ancestors and the Incredible Hulk.”
He says: “Laughter helps a lot” as he recalls his time in hospital. “It’s important to keep your spirits up and laugh often, even when you don’t feel like it.”
James was later told he would need a bone marrow transplant to survive. When he was well enough, he returned home to New Zealand and the search began for his bone marrow donor. There were no matched donors in his family so the New Zealand Bone Marrow Donor Registry (NZBMDR) — which is administered by the LBF — began a search for a Matched Unrelated Donor (MUD).
NZBMDR found a donor for James. James received his life-saving transplant later that year. “I got my MUD-shake” he jokes, believing his bone marrow came from the Incredible Hulk. “Everyday I wake up, I am thankful. I feel blessed to still be here, still standing.”
James is studying at New Zealand College of Massage and enjoys being able to help people through massage therapy. “My drive is people. Being able to see a client happy and smiling after I have helped them is very rewarding.” Having had a connection with the LBF since 2007, James says: “The relationship has been awesome.”
All funds generated by Massage for a Difference will go to the LBF’s Patient Support Service, providing personalised support for patients and families living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood cancers and conditions. 
This event was supported by:
