Help Robert fight his way out of hospital & back to health

On 5 June, my little brother Robert was rushed to Kaitaia Hospital with dangerously low oxygen. He was emergency transferred to Whangārei Hospital, spending 10 days in ICU, sedated and ventilated, while doctors worked to stabilise him.

Rob’s body went through a lot – RSV, pneumonia, fluid on the lungs, and multiple interventions that left him unable to eat or walk. Medications and long periods of immobilisation caused severe gout flare-ups, affecting his knees, ankles, and feet. Then came a stomach ulcer that caused internal bleeding and further complications, including blood transfusions and another procedure under anaesthetic. He lost 15 kg in 10 days.

Thankfully he should make a full recovery. But it will take time – he has now been mostly bedridden for 8 weeks.

At first, the whānau had to face motel bills. The hospital whānau accomm has since been a good send, but it is still hard. Mum has not returned home, and his partner Francis, and Dad, Len have travelled back and forth from the far North.

Rob was born fighting, spending the first days and weeks of his life in hospital following birth trauma. This time, with everyone's support he will win this fight and come out stronger! Your koha will help ease the load — supporting Rob’s recovery, whānau costs and ongoing care. Every bit helps restore his health and bring Rob closer to home. And once home, anything left will go towards good kai and the support he needs (no DJ equipment Rob lol) to stay healthy and well.

Arohanui