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Help Kris recover from serious burns

  • Update from Jamie

      8 May 2021
    Posted by: Jamie Dale
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    Hi everyone

    The kids and I are so thrilled to be back in Te Anau with Kris for the next stage of his recovery journey.

    With school back for Term 2, Kris and I are are finding our "new normal" routine. He has regular physio appointments, daily exercises, oral pain relief, a swag of multi vitamins and his skin care routine is now more thorough than my own!

    We can now also share the news of an exiting project underway at our home that began while we were in Christchurch. Otene Construction has been leading a group of local tradies and volunteers to finish our renovations that Kris is now unable to complete. Kris had no idea this was being done for him until 2 days prior to his discharge and was understandably overwhelmed with emotion when we returned home to see what progress Kingi and his team had made in just a couple of weeks.

    While plastering and painting is completed and flooring and kitchen installed, we are fortunate to be able to stay in a neighbouring house whose owner is in Australia. We're looking forward to moving back home in a couple of weeks and will share some before and after photos with you all.

    Kris is now doing little outings like walking the kids to school, so he gets fresh air, and chats to other parents to fill his social cup. Then it's home to rest before the pick up walk in the afternoon - ensuring he's fully covered from the sun and lathered in SPF50!!

    It's inspiring to see this next stage of Kris' recovery going well for him and we continue to feel so lucky to have an amazing network of people near and far supporting us on this journey.

    We would also like to say a special thank you to Kris' parents Lesley and Alan for being with us up until a few days ago. Even a broken ankle couldn't hold Lesley back from cooking meals and playing with her grand-children. We are lucky to have you both. Now enjoy the peace and quiet now you're back at home. Jamie x

      2 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 09/05/2021 by Avis

      So great to read the updates and with how well he is recovering. Awesome..

      Robin & Avis Peters

      Manapouri

    • 09/05/2021 by Theresa

      Good Afternoon to you all,

      Thank you all for the updates on Kris's progress, it is fantastic to read how well he is doing. Also, amazing to be having the renovations completed, we are so happy for you. Kind Regards, Theresa, Ra and Tanya

  • Grafts and discharge update from Kris

      27 April 2021
    Posted by: Jamie Dale
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    Well she's been a big couple of weeks but my recovery has gone better than what anyone expected, including the Dr's and nurses.

    Even though some areas of my right hand, arm and neck received full thickness (3rd degree) burns I have healed enough to avoid skin grafts and now look forward to rehab and 'scar management'.

    By way of outstanding medical care, nutrition and everyone's aroha and support, I get to go home and will be discharged to the care of District Nurses and local physio on Thursday 29th, a day shy of 3 weeks since I received my burns.

    I honestly couldn't have done it without your thoughts and comments which keep me pushing to get better everyday.

    I can never repay what we've been given and have been humbled by your kindness.

    Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini

    My strength is not as an individual but as a collective

      2 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 29/04/2021 by Natalie

      Great to hear of your progress. All the best in the coming days.

      Shanks Family Te Anau

    • 29/04/2021 by Melody

      So glad to hear you're on the mend, Kris, and have even surpassed doctors' expectations! Keep up the awesome recovery work. Best wishes, The Fedorsen Family

  • Update from Kris

      22 April 2021
    Posted by: Jamie Dale
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    Throughout this journey I've been humbled and at the same time enriched by the support and messages for me and my family from so many people and even more so from complete strangers.

    The response to the Give a Little page (which I was reluctant to do) has been phenomenal and often leaves me without words when trying to fathom how much aroha is coming our way. I have read every single message, with some leaving me emotional and others making me laugh. 🤣🤣

    There are so many people we wish to thank and it's hard to know where to start but one thing I would like to say is how lucky we are in New Zealand for the emergency services we have. From the fire boys, doctors and ambos who initially attended, to the rescue helicopter and the staff at the Christchurch hospital who have done nothing but the best work in order for me to get better. 🤩

    I'm progressing really well so the baddies better watch out because I'll be hitting the streets in no time 😎

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  • Message from Jamie

      18 April 2021
    Posted by: Jamie Dale
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    It's hard to find the right words to express our appreciation for the outpouring of strength and support during this difficult time. Kris and I are eternally grateful for everything we're receiving, not just for ourselves but for the impact it's making on our immediate whanau too. Kris is over one week into his healing journey with wonderful progress so far. It can't be underestimated what effect the kindness and Aroha from near and far is having on that positive start he's made.

    My very special Mother in Law and I are making a great team here in Christchurch with the kids; taking every day as it comes while being reminded there is far more good in this world than not.

    We've been overwhelmed with messages but know we read every single one and we'll respond to them all in time.

    Kris had been asking to see all our children together and this milestone happened on Friday, one week post accident. The nurses made an exemption to the current covid rules of 1 visitor at a time and no under 16s. They also treated us all to lemonade ice blocks to celebrate.

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  • Thank you

      16 April 2021

    Just a quick update to everyone who has taken the time to have a look and made a contribution here: Kris and Jamie are blown away. I spoke with Kris last night, and he sounds pretty chipper all things considered, but then he would as he is tough as nails. He's amazed at the support, and he is reading all the messages coming through, and believe me, those are doing him (and Jamie) a world of good.

    You're all amazing, generous, kind and caring people. All comes round, as they say, and you are the very meaning and essence of community spirit and aroha.

    Kris is having a dressing change today, which is a pretty unpleasant process. But all the thoughts you have shared here are with him and boosting him and all the Dale's forward. Thank you one and all, your generosity of wallet and spirit are humbling.

    Take care everyone, and treasure those close to you.

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