Shane’s vlogs started as a “survival guide to hospital” but ended up documenting his cancer journey.
Along the way, he shared words of wisdom for Blaze, including encouraging the teenager to talk things through with his family.
Shane described difficult situations like a bird shut inside, saying talking about them opened up the doors and set the bird free.
It is this sort of inspiration that Shane brought to his work as a teacher and principal, said Samara, who is also a marine educator.
As principal of Portland School, Shane would do home visits if a child was absent and focused on environmental passion projects, growing the roll 200% in just two years.
Sarama (left) and Blaze Nicholas remember Shane as a dedicated educator, hunter-and-gatherer and humorous storyteller.
He also advocated for fellow principals new to the role, saying burnout was a big issue.
When Shane started suffering fatigue and mental distress, it was linked to job burnout but hindsight showed these were the first symptoms of his brain tumour, Samara said.
“It was unfair … He was a very accomplished principal and made Portland a place where kids wanted to be,” she said.
Shane took a step back from being principal, taking up a role as teacher at Tikipunga High School.
In the weeks before his diagnosis, he gave all his energy to teaching but was so fatigued he would come home and fall asleep, Samara said.
As principal of Portland School, Shane Nicholas helped increase the roll and spoke up for principals suffering burnout. Photo / NZME
When Shane started showing physical symptoms down his left side, such as being unable to hold a cup of tea and dragging his left foot, a close friend encouraged them to go to hospital.
Within hours, Shane was diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumour, which was deep inside his brain.
He had biopsy surgery at Auckland Hospital and later radiation therapy, but it quickly became clear there was very little oncologists could do, Samara said.
Shane took a positive attitude, promising to be a better husband and offering plenty of humour and entertainment – including playing loud music in the hospital, Samara said.
In the hard times, the Nicholases held tight to those memories and advice, she said.
Shane Nicholas (right) shared life advice to his son Blaze (left) in his vlog from his hospital bed.
“He said ‘wrap your family and friends around you like a korowai’ and we did, we called on our family and friends.
“We saw so much aroha, from our friends especially, who would come out and help,” Samara said.
“He was very quick-witted and funny. Towards the end, some of his hallucinations were hilarious,” she said.
Samara said she continues to seek a rosy outlook when hitting life’s hurdles.
“Now, whatever bad things happen to me, I just try and have a more positive outlook on it – that’s because of Shane.”
Shane Nicholas (from left) is remembered by Blaze and Samara for his quick wit and hard-case attitude in hospital.
Samara and Blaze decided to make Shane’s story public at this time, to help promote the Cancer Society’s main fundraiser, Daffodil Day, on August 28.
While Shane was in Auckland Hospital, Samara and Blaze were able to stay at the Cancer Society’s Domain Lodge, the sort of thing funded through donations.
Samara said Blaze also took part in the last two Relay for Life events in Whangārei for the Cancer Society.
Samara was also thankful to North Haven Hospice for the respite care it offered during Shane’s last months.
Both organisations also offered counselling which was very helpful, she said.
Samara believed looking at Shane’s vlogs helped both her and Blaze process their grief.
“Mentally, it’s helped me and my son deal with it and be more settled in our grief.
“I see a lot of people really, really struggling with their grief and, I know everyone’s different, but I think these vlogs really helped us with our grief.”
Blaze is continuing his studies at Kamo High School. Like his father, he enjoys fishing and spearfishing, plus is into horse riding.
Samara said she is finding her mauri again with her role as co-director of Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, which runs Experiencing Marine Reserves for students.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.