Help for Jemima - Help fund medical treatment not available in NZ to give our beautiful girl a chance

Aug '22 Jemima was a regular 14 year old, die-hard Taylor Swift fan, cat lover, excelling at school, sporty, a dancer, a great friend and fun big sister.

In Sept she got a stomach ache and was hospitalised the day after her 15th birthday. Since that day she has been in pain, nauseous, unable to eat and drink and in hospital for five months now.

Doctors have diagnosed Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a rare genetic connective tissue disorder. In Jemima’s case, HEDs has resulted in vascular compressions. These compressions are the cause of her symptoms, and require her to be be tube fed through a central line to her heart. This is a life-limiting disorder without treatment. Jemima’s sister Matilda passed away at four with similar symptoms we conclude potentially may have been linked to this genetic condition.

In order to have a fighting chance, Jemima's vascular surgeon in NZ has told us she requires advanced treatment and surgery only available overseas. German specialists are willing to treat Jemima with highly specialised surgery to relieve the compressions and help Jemima return to normal life. Other Kiwis, Taylor Doyle and Sarah Wills have spoken publicly about their own successful surgeries which changed their prognosis.

The cost of 140k is based on the quote from the German surgery, and estimates from the other kiwi families.

Thank you for your help in getting Jemima to Germany for this surgery she desperately needs.

If we do not raise enough funds to send Jemima to Germany, all funds will be put towards her ongoing medical care at home, to keep her medically stable while we explore any other avenue for surgery overseas and/ or other funding options. Should we receive funds in excess of her needs or surgery isn't a viable option, the excess funds will be donated to help other Kiwis with similar conditions.