Cancer survivor, 69, hits the slopes

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 31, 2026

Cancer survivor Mike Wilwert is using his skiing skills in New Zealand to raise funds for Rānui House, a support facility that provided him with accommodation during his multiple myeloma treatment. His goal of NZD 58,140 highlights the critical role such facilities play in easing the burden on patients and their families during long-term medical care.

Mike Wilwert, a 69-year-old cancer survivor originally from the United States, has embarked on a unique fundraising effort in New Zealand, combining his passion for skiing with a mission to support patients facing serious illness. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in November 2022, Wilwert’s journey has involved intensive treatment in Christchurch and an ongoing commitment to raising awareness and funds for patient care facilities.

Multiple myeloma is a form of blood cancer that can also cause kidney damage, and Wilwert’s diagnosis came unexpectedly after routine blood tests revealed deteriorating health. He was urgently advised to travel to Christchurch Hospital for immediate medical attention. Upon arrival, he was met by a medical team prepared to manage his complex condition, marking the start of a treatment period that would keep him close to the hospital for nearly a year.

During this time, Wilwert stayed 323 nights at Rānui House, a support facility located near Christchurch Hospital. Rānui House offers free or subsidised accommodation to patients and their families who must travel to the city for treatment, playing a crucial role in easing the burden during extended medical care. Wilwert benefited greatly from the proximity to hospital services as he underwent chemotherapy and dialysis sessions multiple times a week.

Wilwert’s wife, Kate, a New Zealander and fellow ski instructor who has accompanied him throughout their 17 years traveling between Utah and New Zealand for ski seasons, also found support at Rānui House. Wilwert emphasized that the facility serves not only patients but also their families, providing essential emotional and practical assistance during difficult times.

Following a period of remission and the start of home dialysis training, the couple chose to move closer to Christchurch, selling their home in Methven and relocating to Rolleston. Now, Kate volunteers at Rānui House weekly, giving back to the community that assisted their family.

To contribute to the facility that played a vital role in his recovery, Wilwert has set a fundraising goal of NZD 58,140, reflecting the cost of his stay at Rānui House. He is leveraging his longtime skiing expertise to generate donations through a challenge that tracks the vertical metres he skis. He logged approximately 90,000 vertical metres in 2023 and is aiming to exceed that total this season, skiing between dialysis treatments at Mt Hutt.

Despite ongoing dialysis, which requires about five hours every second day, Wilwert remains committed to his skiing and fundraising efforts. He describes the contrast between the mountain views he enjoys and the dialysis machine he must also depend on as surreal.

Donations to support Wilwert’s efforts and Rānui House can be made online at mikes-metres.raiselysite.com.

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