A year after he completed his first "Ride for Renee", the former Port Hills National List MP is confident they will reach their goal.
“Let’s get this sorted before Christmas,” the Rāpaki resident said.
“What a wonderful Christmas present for her . . . the fact that she actually has the money to have the operation.”
His more than 580km ride from Rapaki to Picton will take about a week after he sets off on Saturday.
Last year, he cycled 720km from Banks Peninsula to Bluff, raising about $35,000.
Further interest and fundraisers meant they have reached $70,000 of the $90,000 needed.
“It’s all about raising awareness to Renee’s predicament around her health issue. I’m really confident, in doing this again, we’re going to raise it,” he said.
Rapaki resident Renee Veal, 27, suffers from Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which causes her jaw to dislocate often.
Not only does he want to resurrect interest for Renee’s plight, but he said now it is more important than ever as her health is deteriorating.
“It’s getting more difficult now because . . . her jaw is starting to disintegrate at quite a rapid rate,” he said.
“That’s why we’ve got to do this . . . so that this young girl can get the medical attention that she needs.”
Korako said his children had grown up with Renee who is his niece.
Once they found out about Renee’s medical condition, Korako said they sprung into action.
“Everyone understands . . . we want to do as much as we can for our kids so that they do actually live a really quality life.”
The most expensive part of the procedure was the titanium jaw and joint replacements, which are manufactured in the United States.
Renee was in weekly consultation with specialists, Korako noted.
Facing the long journey north, Korako said he was feeling good and was excited to get back on the bike.
He had been training around the Bays for months for the “couple of good climbs.”
His cousin would be his “wingman” along the way.
“For me ... once I finish this one, I’ve been from Picton to Bluff,” he said.
Renee was so thankful to everyone who was a part of the fundraising journey “whether it be through donations or words of support and encouragement.”
“I have such an amazing support system,’’ she said.
- Contribute to Renee's life-changing jaw surgery here
