Help Phoebe get to the Halberg Games

Phoebe is 9 years old, from Nelson and would like to attend her first Halberg Games in Auckland this April. She is one of only 3 athletes representing the Top of the South. Our region does not have an organisation that helps fund/sponsor athletes to attend these events unlike other regions in NZ. That means for most families in our region, the Halberg Games is out of budget. Consequently, this also means the numbers for our region are minimal. A “great” turnout usually equates to just 4 athletes.

Phoebe’s condition… my beautiful, spirited daughter was diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at 18 months old. At her worst she was unable to walk or even crawl with arthritis in her toes, ankles, knees, hips and fingers. She has since been on various immune suppressant medications, some with hefty side effects to control her flares. She has had several stays in hospital for joint steroid injections and infections. In 2019 she was also diagnosed with Uveitis, inflammation of the Uvea of the eyes. The inflammation can lead to cataracts, glaucoma and blindness if treatment is not swift and effective. She is currently dealing with a small flare of Uveitis but is doing well.

Phoebe loves basketball, artistic roller skating and athletically represented her School at the interschools competition in long jump in 2022.

I would love to see Phoebe compete with other resilient children with disabilities who face similar challenges in life.