Te Puke Community Rallies Together for Mum’s Cancer Treatment: A Heartwarming Movie Night Fundraiser

In September 2023, 46-year-old Sarena Crane, a devoted mother from Tauranga, started noticing troubling symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, and discomfort. Initially, these symptoms were attributed to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or endometriosis, but further testing soon revealed a far more serious diagnosis. Sarena’s doctors discovered tumors in her cervix and bowel, leading to a devastating stage four bowel cancer diagnosis by October 2023. With the odds stacked against her, Sarena was determined to fight, seeking out alternative treatment options outside of New Zealand.

Her search led her to a promising, intensive three-week cancer therapy program in Mexico, but the treatment came with a hefty price tag of approximately $150,000. This included not just the cost of the therapy itself, but also travel, accommodation, and living expenses for Sarena and her family during the course of the treatment. https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/please-help-support-sarenas-journey

There is a treatment clinic in Mexico that we believe can give Sarena more time with her amazing family. However this comes at a massive cost which means financially its going to be hard on the Crane’s. This treatment is quite honestly our best option at winning this fight that no one should have to fight! The sooner we can get her to Mexico to better.

Community Support: A Fundraising Movie Night to Remember

As Sarena prepared to embark on this life-changing journey, the Te Puke community decided to rally around her and provide the support she needed to access the treatment. On April 5, 2025, the Fairhaven School in Te Puke hosted a heartwarming movie night fundraiser to help Sarena’s family cover the costs of the therapy. The event brought together locals of all ages for a fun-filled evening, showing how a small community can unite for a meaningful cause.

The movie Space Jam was chosen as the feature film, providing a nostalgic and light-hearted experience for families in attendance. Alongside the screening, the event featured a variety of activities that ensured there was something for everyone. Attendees could enjoy a delicious sausage sizzle, peruse a bake sale full of homemade treats, and shop at a glow stick stall for added fun. The evening’s centerpiece was a silent auction, where local businesses generously donated prizes ranging from experiences to products.

A Young Entrepreneur’s Contribution

One of the most touching contributions came from 8-year-old Eden Best, who used her entrepreneurial spirit to design and sell custom T-shirts to raise even more funds for Sarena’s treatment. Eden’s T-shirts became a popular item at the event, embodying the community’s collective determination to support Sarena during her battle with cancer. Support 8-year-old Eden’s T-shirt fundraiser for her friend’s mum:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc23_GvFPGgvO9Ioa6K0dY-8xDGyzmia6gMAtM-rJ4xWpCAuw/viewform

A Night of Unity, Hope, and Generosity

The shirts that eight-year-old Eden Best has designed to support the Crane family.

The movie night was far more than just a fundraiser—it was a true testament to the strength of community. The atmosphere was filled with love, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose. For many, it was an opportunity to connect with neighbors, make new friends, and come together for a greater good. The event highlighted the power of collective action and how, when communities unite, they can make a real difference in people’s lives.

By the end of the night, the fundraiser had successfully raised a significant amount of money to help Sarena cover her treatment costs. The sense of unity and hope in the air was palpable, and the event left everyone with a renewed optimism for Sarena’s recovery. It was a reminder that, even in the face of hardship, the kindness and generosity of others can help light the way forward.

Looking Forward: A Bright Future

Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Te Puke community, Sarena is now one step closer to receiving the life-saving treatment she so desperately needs. With her treatment in Mexico on the horizon, she is filled with hope and gratitude for the incredible support she’s received. While the road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, Sarena is empowered by the love and care of those around her. The success of the movie night fundraiser is a clear reflection of the strength of community bonds and the incredible impact that can be achieved when people come together for a shared cause.

For those still wanting to help or contribute to Sarena’s treatment journey, there are ongoing opportunities to donate or participate in future events. Together, the Te Puke community has shown that even the most difficult battles can be faced with courage, determination, and a lot of heart.

The Te Puke community came together in a powerful show of support for Sarena’s journey to Mexico for cancer treatment, making the family movie night a night to remember. 📌 Gates opened at 6pm, and as the sun set, families began to fill the venue, excited for an evening of fun and generosity. With the movie starting at 7pm, there was plenty of time to enjoy the festive atmosphere. The event was by donation, encouraging everyone to give what they could to support Sarena’s life-saving treatment.

The night was filled with delicious food and treats for all ages. There was a popular cake stall offering homemade goodies, a sizzling sausage sizzle, and fun glowsticks lighting up the night. The food trucks were a major hit, with Sizzle & Shake and Crafted by Evolution serving up mouthwatering dishes, while GET REAL Fruit Ice Cream kept everyone cool with its refreshing, all-natural flavors. For those with a sweet tooth, the famous Raglan KettleKorn added a delightful touch to the event.

In addition to the food and entertainment, the event also featured silent auctions and raffles, which allowed attendees to bid on exciting prizes while contributing even more to Sarena’s cause. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and hope, with the community coming together not just for a night of fun, but to help someone in need. The love and generosity shown that evening were a testament to the strength of Te Puke’s tight-knit community, united in their efforts to make a real difference in Sarena’s life. It was a night filled with laughter, togetherness, and the kind of spirit that only a caring community can provide.