Brittany, NZ Health has let her down. After starting facial reconstruction they tell her there is no money to finish the job!

Hi there, I have just read the article (today) in Stuff re Brittany - is there any way we can support her further in respect to getting ACC on board and for her to have the surgery she needs plus the care she would need afterwards.? Has anyone got back to the amazing surgeons who have offered their time and support as per the emails above? Has Brittany got the support she needs for her current mental health - which by all accounts is being sorely tested. I feel for this young woman - and it feels as though the 'system' is failing her.

Kia ora Anna,

I am a researcher at the University of Otago (https://www.otago.ac.nz/anthropology/staff/otago636914.html). I have been studying medical crowdfunding. I have mostly been exploring this topic through interviews and case studies, but as I have an interest in creative writing and visual art, I also use this as a way to explore the topic.

I am writing to ask permission (of yourself and Brittany) to use a photo from this campaign, in a stained glass art project I am working on. If you gave permission, I would paint a black & white version of the photo onto a piece of glass the size of a smartphone. This would be displayed alongside aprox 12 other images on the same size piece of glass. Accompanying this would be some quotes from participants in my survey, and a general explanation about the topic of medical crowdfunding.

The goal of the exhibit is to get people to think about empathy, care and charity… how they respond (or not) to people telling their stories and asking for help online.

At this stage I plan to show the stained glass images as part of a presentation at an academic conference in Seattle, and another in Wellington, in November. I may also show it at other academic conferences, and/or a small exhibition as part of Dunedin’s Fringe Festival in 2023. The images will potentially also be published as part of academic articles or essays.

If you do decide to give permission, you could chose either for the image to be presented anonymously, or to have Brittany's name included, in which case I will put it in the acknowledgements whenever I show the art piece.

As a thank you, I would send you a small gift voucher.

Additionally, if you might like to tell me a little bit about the photo (where/why it was taken, and why you chose this particular picture for the campaign) I would love to talk to you over phone or Zoom. This might take between 15 mins and half an hour, and could be scheduled at a time of your choosing. But you are welcome to indicate permission for me to use the photo, but say you DON'T want to do the short interview …there's no pressure to do both.

Thanks so much for your time and consideration. You can contact me via this email address: susan.wardell@otago.ac.nz

Wishing you well

Susan

I'm an Australian specialist plastic, reconstructive and craniomaxillofacial surgeon with a unique interest in facial reconstruction of congenital, acquired and trauma related injuries and work as a consultant at both kids and adult hospitals in this subspecialty field.

I was a FRACS fellow under the ANZ master of Craniofacial Surgery Professor David David AC who is the (now retired) founder of the Australian Craniofacial Unit in Adelaide and current chairman for the Australian Craniofacial Foundation whom I am affiliated with and work with regularly.

See: https://www.craniofacial.com.au/

I was sent your article from a family member in Christchurch and thought I would reach out to see whether, together, there is anything we can do to liaise with the Canterbury District Health Board to assist in providing a solution to this case whether through an offer of surgical intervention or assisting in fundraising in some capacity.

I would be willing to volunteer my time and service as one of the surgeons to reconstruct Brittany's face and jaw, however this would involve a multidisciplinary team and at least two specialist surgeons and of course involve her either traveling to us, or us traveling there to undergo the procedure/s.

Let me know your thoughts, whether you have any NZ Ministry of Health and/or CDHB contacts who we can reach out to.

Please note I have made the foundation chair and management aware of this case and we look forward to hearing from you to liaise with and see whether or not you think there is anything we can provide in terms of assistance on this matter.

Kindest regards,

Dr. Linda Monshizadeh FRACS

Hi Anna, I work with a team of head and neck reconstructive surgeon's privately in Auckland, and I've discussed Brittany's case with one of our jaw reconstruction surgeon's who is really keen to help. Are you able to get in contact with us? My email is: Louise.Tjauw@mercyascot.co.nz

Hi Anna, am wondering if the wonderful surgeon in Lower Hutt was Professor Swee Tan? He did a huge facial surgery on my brother's face in 2018. Truly a miracle worker.