KEY POINTS:
A full recovery is predicted for injured young sports star Chico Paparoa.
But it could take until March for the 17-year-old to return to health after his heart stopped while he was playing rugby league at Rotorua on October 20.
Meanwhile, students from several schools will perform in a fundraising concert for Chico's family at the Far North Community Centre in Kaitaia at 6pm tomorrow.
Merv Rawiri, of Herekino, who coached Chico in the Northland Under-13 and Te Rarawa Under-18 rugby union teams, learned of the optimistic medical forecast from family members at the young man's bedside in Waikato Hospital.
"Doctors have informed them Chico is expected to make a full recovery in five months," he said yesterday.
"Everyone is really excited and thankful. He's a little fighter. He'll never give up. His arms and legs are moving under the blankets. Everything is looking good."
Leonie Murray, a staff member at Te Rangi Aniwaniwa kura kaupapa, a total immersion school at Awanui which Chico attends, yesterday confirmed the hopeful outlook for Chico.
She returned on Sunday after a weekend visit to the hospital, where she said the young man's mother, Mary Ann Paparoa, was saying that Chico was looking much better than he had when admitted to the intensive care unit.
"He's strong. When he's ready he'll pull through," Ms Murray said.
Chico's eyes were opening "now and then" but were not yet focusing to indicate he was conscious.
Ms Murray said about 45 relatives and friends were at Waikato Hospital when she visited.
Some were inquiring about the possibility of Chico moving to Whangarei Hospital for the long-term care he requires, but Mrs Paparoa had been adamant he would remain at Hamilton where the medical facilities were superior. Students from Te Rangi Aniwaniwa, Kaitaia Primary, the e-learning class at Te Hapua Primary, Te Kura Taumata o Panguru and a Kaitaia College band are expected to perform at the concert in Kaitaia tomorrow.
Admission will be by gold-coin donation with funds raised going to the Paparoa family.
Chico's father, Mansell Paparoa, has taken time off from his job as a machine operator at the Juken New Zealand mill in Kaitaia to be with his injured son and the cost of travel and staying in Hamilton has taken a toll on family finances.
