Bringing Yvonne home

Whilst on holiday in Melbourne over Christmas with her daughter Kath & family, Yvonne was struck down with Guillian Barre Syndrome. It happens when the immune system starts attacking the nervous system shutting down the body causing paralysis.

Yvonne has been in The Alfred Hospital ICU for 6 weeks so far. For the first week she was induced into a coma and intubated. Now she remains on a ventilator with a tracheotomy.

In the past couple of weeks she has been using a speaking valve for short periods as it tires her out which enables her to communicate with us alleviating some of her frustration. Yvonne has never been this quiet in her life.

She is slowly getting better but it is going to be a long hard road to recovery.

Unfortunately despite paying for her trip via her credit card Yvonne's type of credit card insurance does not cover this situation.

Yvonne is desperate to return to NZ and Christchurch Hospital ICU has accepted her but the cost of transporting her back will be between $20-$30,000. This will include the costs of Ambulance transfers, an ICU Doctor and nurse to travel with her plus the ventilator and equipment required.

Can you please help us repatriate Yvonne back to New Zealand so that she can be rehabilitated among family and friends.