Remembering Marcia
The memory of a special parent was behind a childcare centre's fundraising of almost $1,400 for Hospice South Auckland.
Little Scholars early learning centre's branches in Mt Albert and Mt Roskill hosted a family fun day at Kiwi Valley, with proceeds going to Hospice South Auckland. The fundraiser was organised in memory of pre-schooler Starria Smith's mum, Marcia Smith, who lost her battle with cancer at the beginning of last year.
Centre manager Emma Norrie said that while the aim was to raise money for the hospice they wanted to have an event that will be fun for the families. "The Smith family have been a part of our centre since Starria was born and Hospice South Auckland became a big part of their lives towards the end of Marcia's life," she says.
"Last year we had three families who were affected by cancer. While two parents have been lucky enough to go into remission, unfortunately Starria's story did not have a happy ending."
Shortly after Starria was born, she found a doctor who gave her the necessary blood test and scan that confirmed what she already knew.
"When they did diagnose her, she was gone," Marcia's widower Jarrod Smith says.
"They gave her six months, but she hung on for two years for the kids."
"She really wanted to spend time with Starria."
Jarod says he took on the role of "Mr Mum", working half-days and taking care of their two children, Zyon and Starria, while Marcia had chemotherapy.
"Zyon is still taking it pretty hard, but Starria knows Mum's in heaven. Things are pretty tough sometimes, but we seem to be doing OK," he says.
Jarrod says that when Little Scholars told him the family day was going to be in memory of Marcia, he was "blown away".
"It's amazing, the whole feel of the school. Starria loves it. They're just so family-orientated; they're like a massive family. They've been awesome."
Jarrod, Zyon and Starria, together with Emma Norrie made the trip back to Hospice South Auckland to present the cheque for the proceeds. Jarrod and Zyon expressed their thanks for the care and support received from Hospice South Auckland and were happy the family day was able to help. Left to right: Emma Norrie, Little Scholars Learning Centre, Jarod Smith with Starria, Zyon Smith, Jennifer Kent, Hospice South Auckland.
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