Update - Angelina
27 February 2019
Hi
Firstly I would like to say a huge thank you for your contribution towards helping my Son and Daughter through a time that no baby or parents should ever go through. Every cent raised from this Give a Little page went to great use and helped Angelina, Mau and Reg get through every day. A major part of your donation helped Mau and Reg secure accommodation only 400 meters from the hospital and this made it so much easier for them to be with Angelina every day.
Angelina passed away on October 5th after almost 6 months of trying to remain with her Mum and Dad. They were surrounded by many of Mau and Reg's family. It was a heart-breaking time for everyone especially Mau and Reg because they hoped and prayed everyday that Angelina would leave Adelaide hospital in their arms.
Angelina never recovered from the bleed on her brain and because of this complication, her brain was not able to tell her lungs to breathe. So when there was no more that the doctors and nurses could do to help Angelina, the decision had to be made to turn the life supporting machines that Angelina needed to survive, off. It was a devastating decision for Mau and Reg. Angelina was surrounded by family that loved her very much before she went on her next journey to be with Jesus and all of her other family waiting for her in heaven. Angelina was cremated in Adelaide with huge support from the Adelaide Women's and Children's hospital, words cannot express how much support and advice that the staff at the hospital gave to Mau and Reg at that time.
Mau and Reg's decision to cremate Angelina was not easy, they both had mixed feelings and some family shared their thoughts as well. Mau's family live in Australia and Reg's family live in New Zealand, the alternative was another hard decision. So, they decided as a couple and with the blessing and understanding from all families, they cremated Angelina and now Angelina goes EVERYWHERE with her Mum and Dad. Reg is even going to have a custom made belt that will strap Angelina's urn to his chest whenever he goes somewhere (he is actually going to participate in a marathon and wants Angelina with him while he runs).
Mau and Reg returned to New Zealand in January and ignited their educational dreams of becoming teachers. They are in the 2nd week of their studies and are looking forward to the challenges and learning they lay ahead. They keep Angelina close to them at all times.
Mau and Reg have started a You Tube Vlog that documents their journey with Angelina - Before and After. There are some very touching videos and some funny ones as well. They have named their Vlog - Hearts in the Ashes .. because literally, their hearts are in the ashes. Mau and Reg would love you to become a part of the "Ashes Family".
If you would like to join, follow these simple steps:
1. Open You Tube
2. Search for Hearts in the Ashes
3. Click on the link that says Hearts in the Ashes
4. Click on the Like button
5. Click on the Subscribe button
6. Lastly click on the Bell picture to get notified of new vlogs
Can I recommend that you watch the vlog titled .. Why we started vlogging, the reason behind our name. The title says it all.
Furthermore, what is up and coming is Mau and Reg are exploring the possibility of starting a Not for Profit Trust to help parents of premature babies. They know first hand what the worries are and while there is support and advice available to parents of premature babies, there are no immediate remedies available ... this is where they want to help the most.
Once again, thank you so much for your support and hope to be seeing you on our vlogs.
Much love
Mau and Reg