Dreams come true for brothers in health battle | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

Lined up in front of the PlayStation in their Tauranga home on a wet winter's day, the Hunter brothers look like any other boys.

They might scrap over whose turn it is with the controllers but the four boys have a life-long bond. They all have storage disease - a mysterious and rare genetic disorder that causes excess substances to build up in certain cells in the body, causing seizures and life-threatening problems affecting the organs, bones and heart.

It means the lives of Callum, 15, Hamish, 13, Gareth, 11, and Brodie, 9, are full of medication, nurses' visits and hospital visits.

However, through New Zealand's Make-A-Wish Foundation each boy has been able to live his dream.

Last week the family returned from a snowboarding trip to Queenstown, fulfilling Hamish's wish. Hamish loved Coronet Peak's "black slopes".

"It was like terror, trying to steer away from the cliff edge," he said, wide-eyed.

The family also enjoyed Queenstown's quad-biking, jet boating and the luge, with the foundation picking up the tab.

The foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening conditions.

The boys' mother, Tracey Hunter, said the foundation was amazing: "If every child [suffering] has that to look forward to, I think that is pretty special."

 Little is known about the disease and the Hunters aren't sure what to expect.

A problem that surfaced with Brodie's health meant he was rushed to hospital on Tuesday night and he and Mrs Hunter had to leave the trip early. He is scheduled for surgery at Waikato Hospital on Wednesday. Hamish is booked for a similar procedure today.

It is hoped Brodie will be able to take part in his own Make-A-Wish. He wants to go to the Gold Coast.

The foundation has already granted Callum's wish to meet and hang out with the Outrageous Fortune cast and a similar ski trip for Gareth.