At least 80 truckies drove past Junior Apolosi’s Shotover Country house in a show of support after the 55-year-old was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer three weeks ago.
Each of the drivers donated $50 to the ‘Standing by Junior’ Givealittle page, proceeds of which will support Junior, his wife, Kerri, and children, Lexi-Ray, 16, Pippa, 14, and Robbie, almost 8.
So far, more than $87,300 has been raised, while a fundraiser being held in Arrowtown on June 5 has sold out.
In an update posted to the page on Tuesday, his family says they want to thank every person who’s shown up for Junior and the family “from the bottom of our hearts”.
“The truck procession was something truly special, and it said everything about the kind of man Junior is.
“The love and respect in that turnout moved us beyond words.”
In relation to Junior’s health, the update says things are moving quickly — he was headed to Dunedin for a scan ahead of radiation treatment and had a chemotherapy session on Thursday.
“While we have been open about the fact that Junior’s illness is not curable, we are holding on to hope that the chemotherapy may help extend his time with us.
“It is a hard road, but Junior is facing it with the same strength and spirit that everyone who knows him would expect.
“Please know that every message, every gesture and every act of kindness is felt deeply by Junior, and by all of us walking this journey alongside him.”
