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Help Sabina, Phil, and Baby Koa , Through This Challenging Time

  • Thankyou

      25 September 2025

    Hi everyone,

    We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for the incredible support you’ve given Sabina, Phillip, and Baby Koa through Givealittle. Your kindness, prayers, and generosity have meant the world to us during this journey.

    As the page nears closure, please know that your impact will be remembered forever. We are deeply grateful for the love and encouragement you’ve shared.

    With gratitude,

    Mel McLeod and the Sabina, Phillip, and Baby Koa team

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  • The daily uncertainties for Sabina

      24 September 2025
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    Thank you all for the overwhelming support for Sabina, Phil, and baby Koa. Here’s a brief, honest update on Sabina’s medical status and what lies ahead.

    Sabina continues to face a severe presentation of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Dunedin. She is no longer able to stand, even with a walker, and pain is intensified. The medical team is carefully balancing pain control to keep her as comfortable as possible while avoiding over-sedation. Transfusions are proceeding as clinically indicated to support oxygen delivery and stability. Nutrition and swallowing safety remain a priority; speech and language therapists are assessing the safest ways to keep her nourished and hydrated. Sabina has described a tight, rubber-band sensation around her hands and limbs, a distressing but understood part of nerve involvement.

    Emotionally, this is a profoundly challenging time. Sabina is separated from newborn Koa and partner Phil, though her mother and father have joined them from the UK to support Sabina in Dunedin. We hold onto hope while acknowledging the daily uncertainties.

    Plan ahead: once Sabina stabilises from transfusions, the team will plan a transfer to rehabilitation to maximise nerve recovery and mobility. Ongoing reassessment of pain, swallowing, and respiratory status will guide adjustments in care. We’ll share updates as they occur, while respecting Sabina’s privacy.

    Thank you for your generosity and prayers. Your support makes a real difference during this difficult journey.

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  • What is Gillian barr Syndrome

      22 September 2025

    Update on Sabina’s Condition and a Brief Guide to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

    Hi everyone, I want to share a personal update about Sabina and offer a clear overview of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) to help people this condition. GBS is a rare neurological disorder where the immune system attacks peripheral nerves, causing weakness, tingling, and sometimes paralysis. It often follows a viral or bacterial infection, though triggers aren’t always found. The course varies: initial leg symptoms can progress to arms and face; many people recover fully or improve over weeks to months with treatment and rehab. Treatments include IVIg, plasmapheresis, and supportive care like pain management and therapy.

    Sabina’s journey so far: she was diagnosed after developing progressive weakness and tingling. She’s started treatment and is being closely monitored for breathing, heart, and overall function. Medical teams emphasize gradual rehab and patience—recovery takes time, but improvement is common with support. Partners and friends can make a real difference by offering practical help, emotional support, and patient presence.

    Ways to support someone with GBS: learn the basics, be present and patient, assist with daily needs and appointments, encourage open communication, respect medical directions, protect mental health, and plan for the future with flexible goals.

    Thankyou for taking the time to reade this update

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