Help Dr. Craig Survive ICU in India
Following an unexpected emergency kidney surgery Dr. Craig is in a critical condition in India and our family is asking for your support.
Auckland
At the start of February Dr Craig Walsham travelled to Mumbai to receive and learn about EECP, a world-leading non-invasive therapy for heart function.
Following an unexpected emergency kidney surgery he is now in a critical condition.
Craig has dedicated his life to healthcare, as a coronary care nurse and then as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Over the last 15 years he has also been committed to his own health, surviving 6 heart attacks despite relentless focus on a disciplined healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
Cleared to fly, he was excited to expand his knowledge about heart treatment; however he was unable to travel with medical insurance that provided heart cover.
On Saturday 15th of March Craig was admitted to hospital with overwhelming kidney pain. Over the weekend, his condition deteriorated and on the 18th he underwent emergency surgery on both of his kidneys as it presented an immediate danger of kidney and bladder failure.
Shortly after his surgery, Craig’s condition declined, causing a 7th heart attack and placing him in a critical condition in ICU with further complications.
We are grateful for the exceptional medical care that he is receiving. Craig is incredibly resilient and will not give up.
Our immediate family and friends have been incredible in providing support through this time, but without insurance each day in ICU, each test and vital procedure adds another item to the receipt. Our resources are not infinite and so we are asking you for your support.
Joel Walsham's involvement (page creator)
Son of Craig, on behalf of our wider family.
Kristen Walsham is Craig's wife
Use of funds
Continue to ensure critical care during this time in ICU, further testing and procedures to stabilise him, which will allow him to return home.
Latest update
The journey continues in New Zealand 20 April 2025
Last Friday Craig and Kristen landed in New Zealand - we have been continuing to manage Craig's heart failure and transition into medical care here.
We are now waiting to have a CT Angiogram of his heart. This was a procedure that he was not up to having in India and will provide information to help inform the next steps.
While back in New Zealand, there is still a long way to go to help strengthen his heart. This could take up to 6 months before he is able to start that treatment. In the meantime he spends his time resting.
It has been a really difficult time that has seen in the last two and a half months, heart failure, two heart attacks (one of which involved pulmonary failure and need for an external respirator), three operations, ICU and hospital stays!
Craig has fought hard and hung in there.
We are incredibly grateful for the medical care that he received in India. It is really terrifying going through the nightmare he has been through, while being a foreigner and facing communication challenges. Not being covered by insurance, in a private medical system also added another layer of stress with the need to access financial resources instantly.
Our family, friends and networks have been amazing.
We have felt the aroha and support. We could not have gotten this far without you all.
Craig has been able to read through your messages and has been blown away by your love. Thank you.
Although we have still got a way to go, we got Craig home to NZ!...
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