Help Maya and Michael

Written by Michael Keruru:

On Sunday 16th of May my sweet angel and wife 'Maya Beechey' was in a house fire. Our neighbour, Lee, called me at work and picked me up to soften the severity of her situation. When I got home. I could see it was bad. The front windows were blown out, and the front porch ceiling was burnt black from fire and smoke damage. The lounge floor, walls, ceiling and kitchen were black and burnt! I started to freak out for my girl the damage was huge! The fire department declared the house unlivable. And when they, and the police were finished with their enquiries, I was allowed to leave, to go and see Maya in hospital. I went to work first to borrow money for gas. I borrowed $10 from a caregiver there, so Carl my neighbor could drive me to the Middlemore hospital.

When I first saw her I could see how bad it was. She was covered in bandages from the neck down, and her face, cheeks, lips and nose had 1st degree burns. Which I was told would heal by themselves overtime. And her sweet little face was swollen to twice it's normal size. At this time the doctors had her in an induced coma to help her body rest and heal. A doctor let me know she had first degree burns to 12% of her body, 2nd degree burns to 35% of her body, and third degree burns to 3% of her body. Maya has been brought out of her coma, and so far undergone 6 x surgeries. It saddens me to see the fear in Maya’s eyes as she becomes more aware of her condition.

The fire department believe the fire was started with a cigarette or candle by the foot of the couch. Maya doesn't smoke! so it wasn't a cigarette. She would be asleep on the couch occasionally, when I came home from work. More than likely, she was asleep! and was woken by the fire. I encourage her to always keep the screen door locked to prevent intruders entering the house. Which would have slowed her down exiting the house. This knowledge hurts me deeply. Neighbours report she was on fire when she ran from the house. Trying to swat the flames out as she ran. They threw water on her! First to put her out, then to ease her pain. Our life together is great, it's good, it's beautiful. Maya is strong, caring and considerate and is the most beautiful person I know. And now I know her to be The bravest person I will ever meet. Thankfully, Carolyn a social worker with Middlemore hospital assisted with emergency housing with WINZ. The next two nights I stayed in the house. The backroom seemed to have escaped fire and smoke damage. On Wednesday morning, Janice, my boss has kindly allowed for me to stay in a bed in the dementia unit, as our house has been deemed unlivable. Thankfully I was able to stay until the emergency housing was sorted. which was just as well. because, I was stupid and lost my wallet that day, what an idiot. By Friday, last week the interim housing was sorted with the fantastic people at Emerge Aotearoa Ltd. A trust group that helps people in similar and other situations as myself. I’m reaching out to friends and whanau, as every little bit helps and if you are in a position to donate Maya and myself would be immensely grateful.

I'm strong! I'm scared! I'm sad! I'm lost! I'm a mess! I've applied for a bond with winz to help us get into rental accommodation. I've also applied for an interview for state housing which takes three weeks to 3 months. I want to have a permanent residence before she leaves the hospital. I need to get back in the house to see what I can salvage. The bed base is fine. but we need a new fridge/freezer, microwave, TV, furniture, clothing, mattress and pillows. we'll gratefully accept any support you can give us with regards to these things.

I'd also appreciate all well wishers and prayers you send our way thank you!