While many teens spend summer relaxing, brothers Lucas (17) and Isaac Tio (16) chose a different path – brightening the lives of cancer patients at Waikato Hospital.
Homeschooled through Homeschooling New Zealand, the pair developed a deep interest in health sciences early on. Isaac dreams of becoming an ophthalmologist, while Lucas is drawn to radiology or oncology – fields where attention to detail can save lives. Both have secured places at the University of Auckland to study health science and biomedical science in 2026 and wanted hands-on experience with patient care before starting their tertiary studies.
Lucas and Isaac have been volunteering weekly for about three months and are hoping to pick up a few more shifts over the summer before departing to university. As oncology hosts, their duties include tidying spaces, stocking supplies, and most importantly, connecting with and talking to patients. “They’re there for hours, and if you can make the time feel like it goes faster, even just a bit, it’s great for them,” says Lucas.
Conversation is at the heart of their role, and through it, they’ve learned the value of empathy and communication – skills that will serve them well in any career.
By week three, Lucas felt confident thanks to guidance from fellow volunteers. There were even light-hearted moments when patients mistook them for doctors because of their smart attire, prompting the Cancer Society to issue bright yellow t-shirts and lanyards to avoid confusion.
Their story is a great example of how volunteering can open doors and shape futures. Lucas sums it up perfectly: “Doing this volunteering role is a pretty good idea to get a head start – on conversations, on understanding people, and on seeing the world differently.”
Inspired? Ready to make a difference? Join us today! Head to www.cancer.org.nz/get-involved/volunteer to find out more about volunteering and register your interest.