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HELP MEILAS BATTLE FOR A CURE!!!

  • Home with loved ones

      27 October 2024
    Posted by: Kristin Davis
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    We went to Germany .. it was a difficult 2 weeks. We ran out of pain meds and ended up in a German hospital for a few nights. But the pain medication wasn't enough..

    We headed home last Saturday and on the way home Meila got into trouble on the plane from Dubai to Melbourne... she wasnt able to breath and they put her on a oxygen machine for 11 hours. When we arrived in Melbourne they took her by Ambulance to The Royal Children’s hospital to be checked. They were absolutely incredible... kind and so helpful. We stayed for a couple of nights and after a few scans they showed us that Meilas Cancer had completely taken over her left lung and part of right. Which would explain the amount of additional pain and not being able to breath.

    We needed to get her home so my brother arranged a medical emergency plane from Melbourne to Queenstown. Unfortunately this wasn't covered and cost us $80,000 but it was important she get home to her happy place and family.

    We are now enjoying every moment with our beautiful girl. Her ability to move and speak is limited so we are enjoying watching the Netflix and just telling her stories about her life and making sure she knows how loved she is and how amazing and proud of her we are.

    My heart is broken to the point I don't know it will ever recover 💔 but I'm so lucky i have had the privilege of being her mum ❤️

      2 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 27/10/2024 by Kate

      Sending you all love xx

    • 27/10/2024 by Gwyn

      This is heartbreaking that her new journey is beginning. I will truly pray for peace and no fear for Meila and you, in particular.

  • OFF TO GERMANY

      29 September 2024
    Posted by: Kristin Davis

    It's been quite touch and go for us. Meila is now home, she's having good days and bad days ... we have enrolled her in a cell immunotherapy clinic in Germany to help her. Meila has had lots of control of what we do next ... we are wanting her to make decisions with us for what she wants to do. We have made the decision to go. It's an expensive process so I understand why it's hard for people to do it. We are so grateful for what we have raised to contribute towards getting her there. She will need to go to Germany approx 3 times. Then booster shots 6 monthly from what I have been told right now. I will be able to keep everyone updated when we get to Germany and start the process

    We are currently trying to make sure meila is well enough to travel next week ... but she's so strong I believe in her so much ❤️

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    • 30/09/2024 by Kate

      I cried when I read your last update, I’m so pleased that you have this option in Germany. Sending lots of love and positive vibes your way xx

  • Trial cancelation

      19 September 2024
    Posted by: Kristin Davis

    It absolutely breaks us to share that Meila is no longer eligible for the trial in America. We were meant to be heading there next week to start the trial ... Meila has deteriorated this past week and is really struggling. While I will NEVER give up helping her fight, I'm also making sure she isn't in pain.

    We are currently in hospital in Chch and we will be hoping to get her home next week so she can spend time with her loved ones.

    Miracles do happen and we will be praying hard for one for our Meila - Thank you for the continued well wishes and prayers...

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 25/09/2024 by Brian

      This is crazy mad.

      Whose decision was it to cancel the trial?

      Why is she no longer eligible?

      Hoping her current treatment works out.

      Best wishes from Brian

  • A few bumps in the road...

      8 September 2024
    Posted by: Kristin Davis
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    Morning everyone - i just wanted to give a wee update on how things have been tracking. Because there was a possibility of a spot on the brain, I ended paying for meila to get a private mri scan to rule it out. Unfortunately it was confirmed and an additional spot was noted. We had a extremely stressful week following as this had to be put back to the board in America as spots on the brain could disqualify Meila from the CarT trial. It was agreed that Meila was still able to proceed. Hallelujah! We have been busy sorting out for Meila to have radiation to the brain spots. Lots of planning is involved and we are so grateful for the wonderful team we have working with us. Meila had been to CHCH twice to have planning CT and Mri where they make a mask for her to wear during treatment. We head back the week of the 16th to start that then head to America at the end of the following week.

    Meila turned 13 on Thursday... she was so excited for her bday but she's eneded up in bed since Friday really unwell. I'm hopeful she will regain energy to enjoy today with some friends and yummy food

    Thank you for your continued support ❤️

      3 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 17/09/2024 by Jake

      Hey guys. It’s Jake. Esmes big brother. Just wanted to say that I’m proud of Meila for battling cancer. Happy birthday as well. Praying you get better. Love Jake 🩵🤞

    • 19/09/2024 by Scarlet

      ~ Happy Birthday Meila keep smiling.

    • 27/10/2024 by Maryann &Jimmy

      My heart goes out to you all ,Meila is a beautiful strong girl ,

      I’m sad this is happening to your family

      Sending hugs and love to you all

      ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • Meila's Ball fundraiser

      1 August 2024
    Posted by: Kristin Davis
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    Hi everyone

    I just wanted to share a brief update. Meila is still on track to head back to America mid Sept. We are holding a black tie Gala Ball in Queenstown this weekend. We have live and silent Auctions- link is below

    https://app.galabid.com/meila/items

    There are some amazing auction items from some incredibly generous people and companies- take a look as there is a wonderful variety

    Have a wonderful weekend :)

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  • Start of the Clinical trial journey

      7 July 2024
    Posted by: Kristin Davis
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    Hopefully this is the treatment that puts an end to this cruel cancer battle

    We have arrived in America- why does travel always have to be stressful? I thought it was mainly with little children lol but our flight from Queenstown to Auckland was delayed which meant I had to sprint from domestic terminal to our international gate with meila in a wheelchair and carry on luggage. We made it- I was a sweaty mess but we got on board 15 mins before take off

    We then arrived in San Francisco with an additional 5 hour flight to North Carolina.. nothing runs smoothly- flight delayed and no inflight entertainment as something was wrong with the tvs on board. But hey... we got to where we needed to be.. we have a day of catching up on sleep and a list of food places Meila wants to try (wing stop, Chipotle, crumble cookie, in and out burger - the list goes on)

    We meet the lead oncologist for the trial Monday US Time and then Meila has her cell procurement Tuesday then we head back home to NZ Wednesday to wait for the CAR-T to be made ... approx 6 weeks time we will be back in North Carolina for 5/6 weeks to have the treatment... I will keep everyone posted and updated... we are so grateful for all the help to get here 🙏

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  • Meilas been accepted on a clinical trial in North Carolina America

      1 June 2024
    Posted by: Kristin Davis
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    Just an update- Meila has been accepted on a phase 1 CAR-T cell therapy trial in America. We look to go over in July, Meila will have her Cell procurement (they take a heap of blood) then they make up the CAR-T drug. We only go to America for 2 or 3 days for this then come home. It takes approx 6 weeks to make the drug and then we head back to America for approx 5 weeks. There is serious risks with this therpy, but they have procedures in place that if Meila becomes to sick that they can cancel the CAR-T and she should be fine.

    Unfortunately NZ don't cover the cost of the trial and it's completely self funded. Est is $90,000 American ($150,000 nz) plus travel and accommodation. So we will use all the money raised to put towards this and keep raising money and selling off assets. While this is classed as experimental treatment- it has been really successful in other trials and different cancers. So we are excited at what this treatment will offer Meila

    We will keep you updated ♥️

    P.s this is a photo of Meila playing netball with her team a few weeks ago ... she's doing so well - we feel so lucky she's been given another chance 🙏

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  • Well enough to travel

      2 May 2024
    Posted by: Kristin Davis
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    Hi team- we wanted to give a brief update.

    Meila is doing really well - her lung surgery to fix her collapsed lung was successful. I am still fighting and trying to get meila treated with EnGeneIC, we take 2 steps forward and 1 step back. But we are currently looking for a Dr to prescribe as we have found a facility to treat her with it. Her oncologist in CHCH is being super supportive and we believe if he could prescribe it he would. But Te whata ora are blocked that.

    We managed to take a break to the Gold Coast for 4 days and it was so great to see Meila enjoying things like she used to before Cancer. We have a scan in 2 weeks time. We are nervous about this but based on Meilas determination and fight we feel positive that we might get some positive results from her therapy she is receiving at the moment. We will definitely keep everyone updated.

    Thank you again for your kindness and generosity! We are so blessed xxxx love the Davis family

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 05/05/2024 by bev

      It warms my heart to see this lovely family photo. Keep up the hard work Meila. XX

  • Update

      12 March 2024
    Posted by: Kristin Davis
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    Unfortunately we have still not been given the go ahead from Sydney children's hospital... we have been to Sydney twice with expected start date to only be left waiting. EnGeneIC have the personalized drug waiting for Meila. It's so frustrating and we have wasted so much time waiting for them ! While we have been waiting- Meilas left lung collapsed and filled with 1.7 L of fluid and disease progression. She just had emergency surgery... She is no longer able to travel ... tonight 6pm Newshub TV3 our story is being shared if you want to watch. We will not give up fighting... we need to break through NZ's redtape to give our loved ones a chance 🙏

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  • We are on our way to Sydney

      19 February 2024
    Posted by: Kristin Davis

    We are on the plane - boarded for Sydney.. thank you to each and everyone of you ❤️

    The kindness we have received is incredible and we are so so thankful for the love and support. I will keep you updated on how Sydney goes- but we are looking forward to some good news ! ❤️

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 19/02/2024 by Lea

      Best of luck in Sydney. You are in our thoughts❤️

  • Thank you ❤️

      29 January 2024
    Posted by: Kristin Davis
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    We are completely blown away at the kindness and generosity of what has been sent our way, each and every one of you are part of our journey and we are truly humbled by the love we have received - thank you from the bottom of our hearts 💕

    Below is a photo of our Meila enjoying time in Queenstown (home) with some of her besties this weekend ... watching her not be so sick and just enjoying a fun weekend with friends just fills our heart with happiness and hope ... it's the little things that we used to take for granted that now are the big things. Hug your loved ones extra tight and enjoy 'time' with them - you never know what's around the corner 💗

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    • 30/01/2024 by Maryann &Jimmy

      Love this pick ,a happy photo of friends just hanging out ❤️