Some challenges are personal

Tony Treloar takes on the waka ama challenge in 2024.

Do you like a personal challenge? Well, at least one that you can choose? Like trying to lose a bit of weight, or not being so sensitive “next time” - or even a challenge requiring weeks of hours of personal effort to attain, like running a first-ever half or full marathon, etc?

By Tony Treloar

What about, as opposed to having a personal challenge automatically placed upon you, no discussion or argument, out of the blue you are just set this random personal challenge…?

In fact, in that regard, did you know that one in three Kiwis are ‘set upon’ in this way - one in three Kiwis have a neurological disease of some description?

Talk about an unwanted personal challenge. Some of these neuronal afflictions are less severe – say, a couple of hours-long migraine once a month.

Many are a lot tougher, like having MND (Motor Neuron Disease). A fatal neurological disease – the subject person usually passing away within six months to two years - their abdomen slowly shrinks, like all their muscle, till it can’t draw-in any more oxygen.

Definitely, not so much fun.

And that is why I’m going to do a solo two-hour waka ama paddle – courtesy of the Taupō Waka Ama Club lending me a waka ama, plus encouragingly paddling alongside me, ditto a couple of fine friends acting as my safety crew in a motorboat – to try to raise as much funds as possible for neurological research.

Yip, I have MND. So, my hands are shaky - typing this far has taken me almost an hour - I fall over almost daily, feel absolutely knackered and nauseous 24/7 – yet I have a life much easier and comfortable than many other neurologically-afflicted folk.

Seriously, lucky me. In comparison. You will likely know of people who have their lives dramatically shortened by a neurological problem – not to mention any of the other serious illnesses.

However, I also think it’s vital we do three things. First, that we don’t let those above facts keep us down. Second, that we remember everyone is ‘bearing a cross’, sometimes surprisingly larger than you think.

And third, regardless, that we each attempt to be proactive. Let’s not sit on our hands. Let’s instead try to find solutions.

My personal and chosen get-out-of-your-comfort-zone waka ama challenge is set down for this Sunday, the 23rd of February. If you’ve got any spare ‘coin’, to help others, please see the Neurological Foundation’s website at https://discover.neurological.org.nz/fundraisers/Tony