Help support Penelope and her family

Back In January, Penelope suffered a seizure at home and was rushed to Invercargill Hospital. As her condition significantly worsened, she was flown to Starship in Auckland and on arrival was given a 48 hour window to survive. She then spent 4 weeks in an induced coma.

She was diagnosed with a severe ecoli infection- Shigella that she most likely contracted by ingesting cow poo. This led to significant complications which created another illness called HUS affecting her organs, with her kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain worst affected.

After weeks of intensive care on dialysis and ventilated, Penelope slowly began to wake. The medical team were unsure how she would be with her brain damage and she has had to relearn all basic skills, but has made incredible progress—regaining her sight, starting to walk again and her determined and sassy personality is shining through.

We spent time back in Invercargill Hospital focusing on her recovery, and last week we were finally discharged and able to bring her home! Penelope continues to amaze everyone with her strength and progress—she truly is a little miracle. We were told this is an extremely rare illness with only 7 other comparable cases in NZ history.

We are so grateful for all the support, prayers, and love shown to our family during this incredibly difficult time. A huge thank you as well for the incredibly generous donations—these will go a long way in supporting Penelope’s ongoing health needs and recovery.