Now a student at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, doing a conjoint Bachelor of Science majoring in mathematics and a Bachelor of Music majoring in instrument/vocal composition, with a specialisation in film scoring, Kyrith will be attending the Relay for Life this weekend at Sky Stadium to celebrate surviving cancer and support others who have been affected by cancer.
Kyrith has had medical issues their entire life, but when a routine test picked up on something that led to more checks, and then the diagnosis of cancer, “It was a bit of a shock to say the least.” They were living in Palmerston North at the time, and the diagnostic process involved going to Wellington and then to Starship in Auckland.
Having cancer treatment during the early days of the pandemic was “an interesting time,” Kyrith says. “I wasn't too worried about it. I had the idea in my head that I'd been through all these other things, so I'd be able to get through this too. They were able to catch it quite quickly because of other testing that they had to do. But it was a bit of a shock as I had no symptoms—no pain, nothing like that, but I still had cancer!”
Kyrith didn’t have to do chemotherapy and says they’re grateful for that. “It was quite scary at the start, but when I was assured that it was quite minor and that surgeries would be enough, that helped.
“I didn't want to have to shave my head, because that's one of the things I pride myself on. I don't like cutting my hair.” Kyrith has waist-length hair and says “I now try to not cut it, as a symbol of having gone through cancer. It reminds me who I am and what I’ve gone through.”
Soon, it will be 5 years since going into remission. They have undergone regular testing since the cancer treatment, and this will likely continue, though at a less frequent rate. “I’m grateful for this,” Kyrith says, “because otherwise if it came back, I probably wouldn't know, like I didn't last time.”
This weekend will be Kyrith’s third Relay for Life. “For me, it's a time to fundraise money to help people who are in that situation that I was, albeit likely a worse situation than me.
“I always wanted to help people and now I've been through cancer. I know what it's like. So being able to help people, even if just by fundraising once a year, it really helps.”
The Relay for Life—Te Ara Toiora on 5–6 April is an annual event held to whakanui (celebrate) cancer survivors, maumaharatia (remember) loved ones lost to cancer, and tū atu (fight back) by raising awareness and funds for the Cancer Society.
During last year’s Relay for Life, Kyrith raised over $1000, largely from fellow students in their hall. “It really, really added up. I think if people can donate, they absolutely should. Whether it's just $2, $5, or even $10 if you're feeling generous. As long as you help out, that's the main thing.”
You can donate to Kyrith’s fundraiser here, and the Victoria University of Wellington team fundraiser here.