At 15-years-old, Denzel Taylor should be worrying about homework, playing rugby, and what he’s doing with his mates on the weekend. Instead, he is facing a battle no teenager should have to fight.
For the past six weeks, the Paeroa College student has been locked in “brutal battle with a virus that just won’t let go”.
Denzel lives with Dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own muscles and skin, leading to severe weakness and inflammation.
After weeks of being unwell and spending time in hospital, his condition suddenly worsened on February 3. His kidneys and liver began to fail, and his organs are now under immense strain as his body fights against itself.
Family friend Corrie Anderson said the situation became so serious that Denzel was urgently flown from Waikato to Starship Hospital in Auckland.
His whānau were taking things “day by day,” she said.
“Denzel’s mum is his rock, but being there for him has meant she can’t currently work. Having exhausted all her sick leave and facing the mounting costs of being away from home, the financial pressure is adding a weight no parent should have to carry during a medical crisis.”
Corrie, who helped manage the Paeroa College U15 Youth rugby team Denzel played for last year alongside her husband, described Denzel as kind and cheeky – a true fighter.
His mum, Tarryn, said he was tenacious, witty, audacious, and a charmer.
And at home, Denzel’s siblings were missing their mum and brother deeply.
A Givealittle page has been set up to support the family, and has raised more than $17,000 of its $20,000 goal. The funds will help cover essential living costs, including rent and household bills, travel expenses, and daily necessities.
The wider community has also rallied around the family, with a fundraiser held last weekend at Bullswool Farm Park, and a raffle currently being organised with the support of local businesses.
Corrie said setting up the fundraiser was about parents supporting one another during a difficult time.
“No parent should have to go through this,” she said. “I just did what any other mum would do – help her out in any way I could see might.”
DETAILS: To donate to Denzel’s fight, visit givealittle.co.nz and search for ‘Denzel’.
BY KELLEY TANTAU
