Beautiful Family In Need

My brother, Brendon had a challenging childhood that lead to drug addiction and desperate circumstances in his teens. Brendon didn’t just survive, he found the help he needed and committed to breaking the cycle. He was determined to become a positive force in the world. He became a Pastor and together with wife Kate brought 4 beautiful children into the world.

You may know that addiction and the causes behind addiction are generally a lifetime challenge. But Brendon’s commitment to a positive life has never faulted. He has built an inspirational environment for his children and serves his community selflessly.

However, in recent years terrible circumstances have rocked the Dale family. At the age of 11 my niece Tesni became very unwell and suffered excruciating pain that had no medical explanation. Eventually a large tumor was discovered in her stomach requiring immediate surgery that also took her left ovary. From here Tesni’s situation deteriorated dramatically. She spent much of the next 18 months in hospital as the specialists struggled to address a range of extreme symptoms and severe pain. Kate spent most of her time at Tesni's side leaving Brendon to care for the other three children while working full time.

In 2015 Tesni was moved to Starship hospital, requiring Kate to relocate to Auckland. Tesni then spent 6 months at the Wilson Home for rehabilitation, treating her CHRONIC REACURRENT MULTI FOCAL OSTEOMALITIS and REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME

The uncertainty and severity of the pain was truly terrible for the whole family. It devastated Brendon and Kate, compounded by being apart, financial pressure and the care of the other three children

Tesni has now recently been re-diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis RF Positive. The challenges are complex, harrowing and ongoing…

Despite The challenges, the Dale family remains incredibly close and wrapped in love. They care for others and fill their house with song and laughter. But the challenges they have endured have taken a toll. Brendon told me some months ago that he was worried about his own wellbeing. Two weeks ago he suffered a severe breakdown. After two years of fighting for his daughter and the wellbeing of his family, he has been overwhelmed by the pressure. Brendon is chronically depressed with extreme anxiety. The situation has been life threatening. He needs time and professional help to recover.

The Dale family is rich in love. But financially they are in trouble. They have mounting debt, no income, and shortly they will have no house to live in. Brendon’s employer has been very sympathetic and incredibly supportive. They were a Godsend, but this generosity could not continue indefinitely. Right now the family is surviving on prayer and little else.

Please give a little to get this family back on their feet. We are working with WINZ and the appropriate agencies to get support, but frankly it will not be enough to give Brendon, Tesni and the family the help they need.