Erin needs belly surgery

Erin has been diagnosed with abdominal vascular compressions syndrome (AVCS) - a comorbidity of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Her most severe compression is on the renal vein, which is compressed between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery (nutcracker syndrome).

On the bad days, she is confined to bed in excruciating pain, which no pain relief will touch. Eating makes the pain worse, and at times she has needed a feeding tube. Unfortunately the bad days are now outnumbering the good.

Surgery for the compressions is unavailable in New Zealand, so Erin has decided that surgery in Australia is the right option for her. This surgery has made a huge difference in the lives of other young New Zealanders, but like many cases in the media, our health system will not fund it. We are asking for donations to help her get this surgery.

Erin finished school last year and is keen to do nursing, however, she has been too unwell to study or work. She was very fit, and loved competing in Taekwondo, but had to give up due to the illness and numerous dislocations that come with Ehlers Danlos.

Thank you to everyone for your support and kind words of encouragement. Erin just wants to get better, and we can't wait to see her enjoying life again.