Help Des Through Her Lung Transplant Journey

$4,780 donated
Given by 62 generous donors in 5 days

Desiree needs a double lung transplant to regain her quality of life. Your support will help her through this life-changing journey.

Porirua, Wellington

Over the past two years, Des’ lung condition has declined significantly. Everyday tasks now leave her exhausted, limiting her world and keeping her from doing the things she loves.

Des has lived with bronchiectasis her whole life and despite the challenges, she has always pushed forward. She completed her Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) while working full time, a reflection of her strength and determination.

After ongoing specialist care and a run of unexpected illnesses, Des is now on the waiting list for a double lung transplant. This surgery will give her the chance to breathe easier, regain her independence and return to the life she loves.

While this transplant is life-changing, it also comes with significant costs including travel, recovery and time away from work.

Des has carried this journey quietly for years without wanting to burden others, but her ilness has left her deeply limited both physically and mentally.

If you’re able to support in any way, it would mean so much in helping Des through this next chapter.

Niko Patelesio's involvement (page creator)

For 11 years, Desiree has been the most important person in my life. Her strength and resilience through this battle amaze me every day. It’s heartbreaking to watch her gradually lose the ability to do the things she loves most.

Use of funds

Donations will help cover essential living costs and provide a safe environment during recovery on immunosuppressants. It will also allow me to be by her side through the transplant and recovery, while bringing some joy to Des’ new chapter.

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2% Effective Fee
On average, fundraisers pay just 2% to use Givealittle. This is one of the lowest effective fees in New Zealand fundraising. We charge a 5% platform fee to cover the cost of running the platform. Because most donors choose to top up their donation to cover this fee, the effective cost paid by fundraisers is about 2%. That means around 98 cents of every dollar raised goes to the cause. Learn More

Latest donations

Mele
Mele 3 hours ago
Love from Tonga-Grant whānau x
Private
Guest Donor
Guest Donor 5 hours ago
Private
Maddie
Maddie 5 hours ago
Private
Markus
Markus 5 hours ago
Private
Lavinia
Lavinia 5 hours ago
Love you Des ❤️
$200

Who's involved?

Niko Patelesio's avatar
Created by Niko Patelesio
Desiree Patelesio's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Desiree Patelesio
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This campaign started on 22 Apr 2026 and ends on 22 Apr 2027.