Looking out for Matteo

BY DELWYN DICKEY

How brothers look out for each other was poignantly shown last week at Mahurangi College.

In a show of solidarity Aurelio Stella, along with some students and teachers, went under the shears in support of his young brother Matteo.

After suffering from severe headaches for weeks, Matteo was diagnosed in August with a brain tumour and had immediate surgery.

In hospital, facing radiation therapy that would leave him weak and away from his friends at school, the sociable outdoor-loving 13-year-old was also facing losing his mop of blond hair.

Not wanting him to go through this alone, 17-year-old Aurelio assured him he to would shave his own head. But that was just the start for this caring big brother.

Initially planning on going to Dunedin to study toward a double degree in law and science, then possibly entering the air force, Aurelio has now changed to Wellington so coming home will be easier while Matteo is going through treatment.

A drummer in newly formed jazz band On Canvas, Aurelio and his band mates gave all the money from their first paying gig toward Matteo’s treatment.

During the coming months he will be left to look after the rented Omaha cottage the three share. Mum Catharina Zuidgeest will be staying near Matteo while he has chemotherapy.

The hospital says they live too far away for Matteo to travel between treatments.

Aurelio spoke at a Mahurangi College staff meeting about his hopes for a fundraising event.

Teacher Ben Howsen says: "It’s pretty daunting for a student to speak in front of 80 teachers, so we knew it was important when he came into the staff meeting that morning.

"After explaining his younger brother’s plight he asked for a teacher to join him on the day. Although seeing how many staff members couldn’t afford to lose any more hair might have had him worried," says Mr Howsen.

"There were so many volunteers the teachers then said only seniors could get their heads shaved, and then only boys," says Aurelio.

"There were still so many they selected just a couple, including one the deputy principal had been after all year to get his hair trimmed."

The gym was packed on the day with Catharina and Matteo watching as Aurelio and two students and three teachers, including Mr Howsen, went under the shears.

Students and teachers bid for the opportunity to do the shearing. One teacher lost an eyebrow to a high bid.

About $1300 was raised.

Aurelio thanked everyone and hugged Matteo and thanked him for being so strong and for being a good brother.

"It was a sobering moment," says Mr Howsen.

"We are all deeply appreciative of the school and truely grateful to the local community for all their support," says Catharina. "It makes more of a difference than you can possibly imagine."

Any help can be directed to email matteo_fund@hotmail.com.

- © Fairfax NZ News