Update 3/9/2021
3 September 2021Message from page owner, Lee - Anne Murray:
First off, I want to thank everyone that has so kindly donated towards this cause.
There have been some questions as to the use and intention of these donations.
This give a little was set up with the intent of helping the family out while Arthur was in hospital, travel and other expenses incurred during that time. Unfortunately when he was discharged from Starship, he did actually end up being airlifted back there, and has been in and out of Waikato hospital in the past 2 months since the page was set up. Arthur was booked for surgery on the 24th August, which was then canceled and rescheduled to the 31st August. All of the consent forms and paperwork were signed, and then this was again canceled.
Anna and Kane then wondered if they would need to top up their mortgage and pay for this privately, which was when one of the updates said they may need to go privately and this came with a hefty price tag which they were quoted.
No one could see how much this was going going be shared on social media, and by influencers with large followings. There was a page set up on Instagram with the intention of also helping raise money should they need to go private for the surgery.
Anna found out on Friday of last week that private surgery isn't an option due to Arthur's age.
He was then admitted to Waikato again over the weekend due to episodes of him stopping breathing and going blue, which all stems from his severe reflux problems which is the need for surgery.A date has been set for two weeks time, for Arthur to have his surgery done publicly, as his surgeon has said he 100% needs this done asap.
Unfortunately, Anna has now been receiving some really nasty and awful hate filled attention from some people who feel they are no longer deserving of any of these donations, because the surgery is being funded publicly.
Kane has no leave left, and hasn't had for awhile, as being with Anna and Arthur in the hospital in and out for over 4 months has well and truly used that up. This includes sick leave, all gone. They have a mortgage to pay, bills, travel expenses still to cover. Kane hasn't been working full time with everything going on, only 1 or 2 days a week so there is a big drop in income. This family do still need the help and care that I initially set up this page for. The family is unsure how much in total they will need for travel and other expenses during this time but if there is any money leftover, a donation will be made to Starship.
I went through a cancer diagnosis and treatment last year, and I know first hand the struggles and pressure financially that is put on a family in these situations, and I didn't want to see them have to go through that, not when their boy is sick.
We understand if there has been some confusion around the need for funds so if you would prefer to get a refund of your donation, please get in touch with Givealittle at helpdesk@givealittle.co.nz by 4pm Friday 10th September to request a refund.
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Received an email of this update. I just wanted to say that when I donated, I was happy do it. Whether this was to fund public or private surgery, I wanted to donate to help not just Arthur but also his family and that means using the donation however they wish or need. I’m appalled that some people have requested refund or even question how the fund is being used. This family clearly need monetary support whether private our public healthcare.
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That is so appalling that people are sending messages of hate! What this family is going through is incredibly hard and I bet they wouldn’t wish it on anyone!! Happy to have donated money so the family can use however they see fit. Hope it helps to relieve a little financial stress during this time and they get a positive outcome from the upcoming surgery. I’m personally relieved it can be done publicly and the family don’t have to spend the money on private treatment. Sending lots of love xx
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Hi just wanted to say when I donated it was for you to spend it on whatever you needed help with so please don't let a few negative people ruin it.
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Thank you for your update; i have to say my donation came without any conditions. Only support and love for this family and their story. All the best and hoping for good outcomes for them . please keep us updated and share our support for them.
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Just wanted to say that my donation also had no conditions, this family needs to use the money donated as they see fit, to be able to support their family at this terrible time.
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Thank you for the update. I donated for the cause. The need to assist the family is still there. I won't be requesting a refund. Wishing Arthur and his family all the best.
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Strength to this little man and his family regardless where the operation takes place, the stress must be ammence & any small but we can help 1 kiwi family the better. Xx
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Hi, I feel heartbroken that anyone was sending such messages. Like 99% of people I donated knowing it would go to help in some small way and don't mind how it is used. Sending love and good luck for Arthur's surgery. Stay strong!