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Help Lara's family after the Auckland Floods

  • A message from Lara (edited as there's a max character count)

      21 July 2023

    First off THANKYOU to so many that call and send messages and turn up out of the blue. I luff you so much and the support you give is amazing.

    Unfortunately I'm experiencing CRPS which is the misfiring of the nervous system. Every sensation in my leg registers as pain.

    Most days I can cope and do my best to get about on crutches. Other days I’m confined to my bed dosed up on meds to deal with the pain. Getting the meds right so that your comfortable yet lucid takes time to work out & its a shifting line some days

    It's like an electrical shock. Nerve pain can be quite the thing if you have never experienced it. Almost like a toothache . Long & throbbing with the odd shock to keep you on your toes.

    Is it permanent?

    Dont know. Honest answer. I bloody hope not & I will do everything within my power to make it temporary. I will walk & have tottered about un aided. Just not pain free yet…. I got time.

    How can I help?

    Bless your beautiful heart 😘. friends & family are doing so much to try and support me. & I have the best medical team .

    What I do need is mood boosters.

    As you can imagine with everything that’s gone on the last 6 months, it’s been hard to find reasons to smile. But I try, you know me. I like to find joy in the little things. I just need to be reminded of them lately. So if you can give me more reasons to smile I would be so grateful.

    All in all it’s been a life changer. Another one 🙄😁 but it won’t stop me. Not a lot can 😘

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  • Last push for Lara and her family

      17 March 2023
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    Hi all - Lara and her family have moved to a more permanent house WOOHOO. But unfortunately getting around in the house is a little clumsy, so she did take a few tumbles and ended up with a new aqua coloured cast. We have put an end date to Lara's fundraising at 26/03/23.

    From Lara:

    "I am so very greatfull for every that everyone has done. And even tho it’s still ongoing for me. I think it’s time to move on. I hope that we hear more from insurance soon but I just gotta go forward."

    So thank you all! :)

    She expressed to me she is lucky to have such love in her life.

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  • $5k goal

      2 March 2023
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    Hi all - just putting a goal for us to reach fundraising wise, Lara has a massive week next week, and she will share in due time. She has amazing doctors looking after her and they have been very proactive in her care and checking in on her. New Cast and matching accessories shown in picture attached.

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  • New cast and toenails

      23 February 2023
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    Hi all! Lara is currently on day 12 of no power, but earlier this week got a spunky new purple cast and purple toenails. The sunny weather has been uplifting for the spirits and her little cat gizmo has kept her company.

    Lara has passed on a message:

    "I want to say thanks to my friends and family, and to those I hope to meet some day. I’ve had many people contact me directly. We still have no power after 12 days. But I feel mostly for those that are in the BOP and lower. I’m sending down my Mum, Dad and brother to help with the clean up. I would rather them there than here. They need it more. To those friends and whanau I want to convey so much love. Come live with me 😁"

    It looks like Lara will really need the money that has been kindly donated, as Lara is self employed, ACC is not covering this accident, so she is eternally grateful.

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  • Update after Gabrielle

      15 February 2023

    Hi everyone. Well leading into Gabrielle, Lara had checked herself into A&E to make sure she had all the correct meds to help with the pain. On day 1 of Gabrielle, Lara took a neighbour in who's house flooded, was alone, afraid and knows them. So bloody selfless our Lara.

    Gabrielle brought on some PTSD, but got through safe and sound, but obviously the family were worried about more of her house/contents being swept away further.

    She got a call from EQC and unfortunately has to wait 4-6 months on top of the time already waited -so she and her family are feeling very low, knowing that she will be living in her temporary accomodation through winter. But she is thankful she has somewhere to live, unlike many others who don't.

    She has posted today:

    "I love my family

    I love my friends

    I love my community

    I love my fellow man

    (ask anyone)

    I love my whenua

    Thank you to all."

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  • Lara back with her family

      12 February 2023
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    Post a little delayed but on Thursday Lara got out of hospital and returned to be with her family. It's a lot quieter than in the ward and she's able to sleep, but nothing has come through from insurance yet. The house is definitely a no-go and with the upcoming approach of cyclone Gabrielle, there is fear more will go.

    Her leg had a lot of pain and swelling so did a run to A&E to make sure she's on the right medications before storm hits. The family is feeling very lost right now, so your donations are very much appreciated.

    Stay safe all.

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  • Surgery successful and battle scars to show

      8 February 2023
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    Hi all - Lara's operation went well on Monday, with lots of plates and screws holding her leg together. See pictures - sorry a little gory. She's had a couple of bad nights but we now know why things were a bit rough!

    Thanks to the team at North Shore who were exceptional and for looking after her. And thanks to everyone who has donated, she really has been blessed.

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  • Fingers crossed Lara can get her surgery tomorrow!

      5 February 2023
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    So have gathered more info from Lara. Apparently she has broken her leg in three places. The tibia, the fibula and the big bone in the ankle. It's a very "complicated unstable fracture...with about four chips floating stabbing into the nerves. It's super painful and needs morphine every two hours. Man what a superwoman! This surgery will mean a couple of plates and lots of screws. Tomorrow she hopefully can get her three surgeries done all at once.But can only happen if the swelling is down enough. Fingers crossed it goes ahead!

    Good thing those nurses are keeping her on her toes by keeping this puppy moving around to give her a good giggle everytime she wakes up! (see pic)

    She is extremely thankful for all who have donated! x

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