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

  • Family Very Grateful

      23 November 2022
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    So, as we come to the close of the Givealittle page, Brittany and her family just want to say a huge and gracious thank you to each and everyone who donated.

    Donations are still coming in and we are very grateful for everyone's generosity.

    The TV show Sunday is going to be following through Brittany's story and surgery and have been to CHCH to do the first of the interviews with Mirama Kamo (Brittany thinks she's lovely).

    We are still waiting on ACC to make a final decision as the Dr's in Auckland don't want to proceed until they have ACC's approval as well, as there will be so much follow-up and future surgeries for Brittany.

    Brittany herself is hopeful things will happen in the New year, she is currently struggling with eating, much more than usual and may be looking at getting a PEG ( feeding tube in her tummy) inserted to help with nutrition. She is slowly coming to terms with the recent loss of her much-loved grandmother and has some solace in a beautiful ragdoll cat that visits and comforts her every day. We think it belongs to the neighbours but the cat ( don't know her name yet) visits and stays with her every day. Brittany lost her lovely Bella ( bichon ) months ago so the cat is great company. Maybe after the surgery we'll get her another little dog.

    Once again - thank you all for your support

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  • Trying to stay positive

      27 September 2022

    Brittany’s family have just lost their beloved grandmother. Her death was unexpected so the family are still trying to come to terms with their loss. Brittany is really nervous and anxious especially now she's lost her grandmother. Brittany had a special relationship with her so is feeling quite lost without her.

    Her grandmother was Brittany's biggest fan who had been a great support to her during her life and it saddens the family she won't be there to see the surgery and the effect it will have on Brittany's future.

    The progress to get the operation is still very slow. Still waiting on the 3D prosthetic TMJ joint and then hopefully date for surgery at some stage. At this stage just trying to keep Brittany buoyant and to not lose sight of her future.

    Thank you to everyone who has supported her this far.

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    • 27/09/2022 by Raewyn

      Hi Britany,

      I am so so sorry to hear about the loss of your much-loved grandmother. Losing someone you love is just so hard, it's the price of loving so much and the pain is very very real. She is so lucky to have been cherished by you and your family and your memories will last forever. Hang on to them tightly and know that she would want you to carry on as bravely as you did when she was by your side. She is still in your heart so you can take her with you always. The grief will one day pass and the pain will ease but those memories of your time together never will. Do what she would want and stay positive, happy and determined! Go girl.

      May God bless you

      Raewyn Scott

  • Slow moves forward - but at it leasts it progress!

      23 August 2022

    The Surgeons are working through the details of the surgery. There is a lot of planning needed before they even attempt the actual surgery. It's going to be a long treatment plan and could well go over the $250K we hoped for and was kindly donated - which is why we have extended our goal once again. Would hate to start and then find there is no money to complete. The prosthetics has been ordered for the jaw joint. Surgeons want to fit Brittany with some braces and then start the first part of the surgery. Hoping that this will happen this year. Understandably Brittany is very nervous - but also hopeful. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. We couldn't even have contemplated the surgery without these kind generous donations.

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  • STILL WAITING

      2 June 2022

    Brittany has been to Auckland a couple of times and had zoom meetings with the Doctors who are confident that they can restore some of her features. However, it is proving to be a lengthy process with a lot of consultation required amongst themselves. We still don't have a firm date - could take another 3-4 months decision making. At this stage we do not have a final figure but our initial hope of raising $250,000 is still looking like what will be needed. Thank you all for your donations - it will be a life changing operation when it finally happens.

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    • 02/06/2022 by Alan

      C'mon NZ Government and Medical Authorities - enough is enough! This unsatisfactory for this afflicted young person; her support; and the many who really do care. SURELY we Kiwis really "care" in REAL TERMS for such persons. With $ Millions and $ Billions being produced for Covid and other welfare scenarios at the blink of an eye by Government, its high-time that this situation became an national example "example"; not a national "disgrace"!

      Comment made above is the same for funding generally of medicines ("Pharmac" Funding) and medical procedures - especially if medical restructuring is other than a "political jaunt", with a real purpose to only attempt to win electoral votes in 2023 and beyond; not to secure best and reliable medical services for all, for all needed occasions!

  • Update on Brittany

      6 April 2022
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    Brittany and her Mum Dawn had a ZOOM meeting on Tuesday with the Dr Muammar and Louise ( head nurse) from Auckland Head & Neck Specialists.

    It was a very positive meeting, and 2 options of reconstruction were presented to Brittany.

    Brittany has decided on option 1 as option 2 had a lot of side effects and would result in reconstruction to her top jaw.

    Option 1 involved straightening the left side of her jaw to align it with the centre then taking a bone from her lower leg to make a jaw and then securing it by titanium joint to her skull base.

    They will then put a free flap in to fill in the area ( not sure where this will be taken from)

    Braces may be an option to straighten her teeth.

    Brit is very hopefully and pleased to hear that they can actually do something.

    Big thanks to Muammar as he has been tirelessly consulting with colleagues from the US.

    Next step is to go to Auckland again and meet the surgical team and we should get a date at this stage; they are also wanting to put in a feeding tube into her stomach closer to the surgery date.

    The photos show what she looks like now, and what they are going to do in the surgery.

    Please keep donations coming as we are still unsure of costs as yet.

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  • Only choice is to go private

      14 February 2022

    CDHB has confirmed that they will NOT finish the job so Brittanys only choice is to go private. She has had an appointment with Facial Reconstruction Specialists in Auckland. They have taken MRIs and are now looking at the options available. The process is a complicated one hindered by previous radiation treatment that has affected blood vessels. However, they seem confident that they can do something to improve Brittanys quality of life and appearance - just have to work out what is best. At this stage costs are unknown - but as the process is a long one it wont be a cheap exercise. We are still aiming for the $250,000.

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  • 2022 Hopefully Brittanys year

      3 January 2022
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    Brittany is excited but very nervous about upcoming consult in Auckland mid February with Dr Muammar Abu-Serriah. Brittany enjoyed a quiet family xmas, better than last year, as the distraction has been removed so she could eat, also finally got her hair cut. Currently cost is anticipated around the $200K mark so please keep donations coming.

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    • 13/01/2022 by Rebecca

      Your hair looks beautiful Brittany. You look beautiful :-)

  • 2022 could be Brittanys year

      20 December 2021
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    The private practice are booking Brittany to come up in January for a consultation and MRI so things are looking very hopeful. We have received a rough idea of costs from the clinic and with hospital fees, surgeons fees, travel up to Auckland including accommodation, consultations, scans etc have had to increase our goal to cover all these. Because things are looking so positive - dont want to fall at the last hurdle because of funding. Once again thank you to everyone who has donated so far - and also to new donors. We very much appreciate you all.

    Below is a 3D model of Brittanys face - and what needs to be replaced. The "distraction" that has just been removed realigned her jaw for the prothesis. No wonder she was uncomfortable!

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  • Brittany is hopeful

      18 December 2021

    Hi. Just a quick update. Thank you all very much for your kind donations. Brittany is feeling loved, worthy and hopeful - something she had lost. The DHB still hasn't come to the party, however, she has been approached by a team of Neck and Head Reconstructive Private Surgeons from Auckland who are really keen to help. They are looking at her case, just waiting on some more scans etc and things are looking really positive. Please keep the donations coming - as yet we have no idea of the actual costs involved that her family need to pay. Should know more next week and will keep you updated. Once again - thank you all.

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    • 18/12/2021 by Estelle

      You wonder if they really were going to do it, sounds like pushed to back burner immediately. Hope Auckland crew do it, may be better job in terms of service anyway. My daughter, (tall) was made to dive into a pool at primary school, picked her up with nerves hanging out and nothing else. Teeth implants for life. I also worked in neurosurgery so this really spoke to me. Good luck, we hope you get more and do really well. Love to see a nice smile.

  • Wow! Thanks so much

      10 December 2021

    Thank you all so very much for your kind donations. We are nearly at target for facial reconstruction. Whatever comes in over that will go towards cochlear implant, teeth implants and any other cosmetic procedures required.

    Keep them coming!

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

      9 December 2021
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    Have been advised by Doctor that amount needed is $100,000 so have reduced target.

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