Help Regina, Cruz & Baby Hezekiah Recover After a Life-Threatening Birth
Helping Regina, Cruz and their five children while Regina recovers from a life-threatening childbirth emergency.
Rotorua, Bay Of Plenty
On 1 July 2026, our beautiful son Hezekiah was born by emergency Caesarean section. What should have been the happiest day of our lives quickly became the most frightening.
Within hours of giving birth, Regina repeatedly told us and the hospital staff, "I can't breathe." Her condition continued to worsen until a vigilant nurse recognised she was critically unwell and insisted on further assessment.
A CT scan revealed a life-threatening internal haemorrhage. Regina was rushed back to theatre where surgeons discovered approx 4 litres of blood in her abdomen. She underwent emergency surgery and spent time in ICU fighting for her life.
Although she survived, her recovery has been extremely difficult. Regina has suffered severe blood loss, anaemia, low haemoglobin, iron deficiency, infection and is now receiving antibiotics for a suspected postoperative haematoma. We have also been advised she may need another operation.
Regina and Cruz are parents to five beautiful children aged 12, 11, 7, 6 and newborn Hezekiah. Six months ago they moved to Rotorua to build a better future and start a lawn-mowing business. Since Regina became critically ill, the business has stopped and the family has lost their income.
Your support will help with rent, groceries, baby essentials, household bills, travel, and everyday living expenses while Regina recovers and Cruz cares for their family.
Every donation or share means the world to us. Thank you for your kindness, generosity and support.
Jayne Pritchard's involvement (page creator)
I am Regina's mother and have created this page with Regina and Cruz's permission to support their family during her recovery.
Use of funds
Funds will help with rent, groceries, utilities, petrol, medical travel, baby essentials, household expenses and replacing lost income while Regina recovers and the family is unable to operate their lawn mowing business.
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Latest update
Recovery Update – Moving Closer to Whānau ❤️ 19 July 2026
Regina continues to recover slowly following the traumatic complications she experienced after the birth of our beautiful son, Hezekiah. Alongside her physical recovery, she is also navigating the emotional challenges of postpartum recovery and the trauma of nearly losing her life.
Her haemoglobin (Hb) remains low, and she will require ongoing medical follow-up. She is also experiencing allergic reactions and skin rashes, which continue to be monitored.
After much thought and discussion, Regina and her husband, Cruz, have made the difficult decision to move closer to whānau so Regina can receive the love, practical support, and care she needs during her recovery. They have lost confidence in continuing her care in Rotorua and believe being surrounded by family will help her healing journey.
Cruz has been carrying an enormous load—caring for Regina while also looking after their five beautiful children. The emotional, physical, and financial pressures have taken a significant toll on his own mental health and wellbeing. Asking for help has never come easily for either of them, but at this time they need the support of their community more than ever.
Every donation, prayer, message, and act of kindness helps ease the burden on this young family as they focus on Regina's recovery and rebuilding their lives together.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing beside the Reihana whānau. Your support means more than words can express. ❤️
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