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Raising Funds for Renee to get a New Jaw

$32,175 of $95,000 goal
Given by 315 generous donors in around 11 months

For 10 years Renee has seen life through a fog of chronic pain & migraines. She needs a total jaw reconstruction & jaw joint replacement

Canterbury

Hi my name is Renee, I am 26 years old and for the last 10 years I have seen life through a fog with chronic daily pain and severe migraines.

Medically I need a total Temporomandibular joint reconstruction, bilateral jaw joint replacements. This is very specialised jaw surgery and unfortunately, and bewilderingly, it is not covered under the Public Health System. There are only 2 specialised surgeons in New Zealand who can perform this surgery at a cost of $90,000. The cost is in the titanium jaw parts.

I find it difficult to sleep or eat properly and experience constant severe headaches, at times even speaking is painful and life is generally pain and discomfort. I find it embarrassing to eat in front of people as I can only nibble on food most of the time which plummets my weight. People thought I slept a lot and got a lot of headaches without realising the true cause of my constant exhausted state.

This surgery will ease my daily pain and improve overall function to get my life back.

I have experienced symptoms for 10 years since diagnosed and I am now finding it difficult to cope even when taking the maximum amount of gabapentin, a strong neuropathic painkiller, in order to function during the day. That makes it almost impossible to work or study.

I am trying to push through with my study at University, a pre-health diploma, and I intend to study a 3 year Bachelors degree in Medical Imaging. My specialists have written "there is no doubt that Renee will struggle with her studies due to her medical condition” and I have to agree but I am giving it my best.

I have had this condition for so many years now and I have been on various treatments such as strong painkillers and had exploratory jaw joint surgery. I would love to live a normal life and do things other young women are doing at my age, get my degree most of all live pain-free.

As I have to raise the money myself for my surgery if you are able to support my cause that would be truly wonderful but I totally understand if you can’t. I am grateful to you for reading my story to learn more about me and my condition.

Thank you, I really do appreciate it

Renee

Renee Veal's involvement (page creator)

We are all family / whanau members supporting Renee to get this much needed operation

Use of funds

Funds will be used to pay for my bilateral jaw joint replacement that is not covered under the DHB

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Latest update

Happy New Year  7 January 2022

I hope you had a great Christmas and New Year. I spent time with my whanau and friends and enjoyed some good rest time. My jaw unfortunately continues to deteriorate but my spirits are high as I am so much closer to the surgery goal.

I am so grateful to you all for your generosity and kindness.

I will keep pushing through and that is easier knowing their truly is light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you all so so much

I really do hope that you have a fantastic year

Renee xx

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Latest donations

Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 25 Mar 2022
$25
Renee Veal

Max you are a legend - thanks for your donation x

Renee Veal
Eliza
Eliza on 28 Feb 2022
$50
Renee Veal

Hello Eliza, thank you for your support and donation towards my surgery. We are getting closer every month and I want you to know you appreciative I am. Thank you so much. Renee x

Renee Veal
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 01 Feb 2022
$300
Renee Veal

Kia ora Mark I want to thank you for your generous donation towards my surgery. I am very grateful to you for your support. Ngā mihi nui with thanks and appreciation. Renee x

Renee Veal
Mary-Lou
Mary-Lou on 31 Jan 2022
Private
Renee Veal

Mary-Lou that is very kind of you to donate towards my surgery and I want to tell you how much I appreciate it. Renee x

Renee Veal
Steven
Steven on 31 Jan 2022
$30
Renee Veal

Steven thank you so much for your kind donation towards my surgery. I really appreciate it. With warmest wishes. Renee

Renee Veal

Who's involved?

Renee Veal's avatar
Created by Renee Veal
Lynne Veal's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Lynne Veal on behalf of Renee Veal
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This campaign started on 15 May 2021 and ended on 22 Apr 2022.