Helping Hands for Gem, Joe & Their Beautiful Family

Two weeks ago, 8 month old Tiara’s world changed overnight. She was rushed to Starship Hospital in a critical state, diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes after falling into Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Her mum, Gemma's intuition saved her life, and if they hadn't gone to hospital when they did, they would have lost their gorgeous baby. She spent a terrifying 38 hours in Starship PICU fighting for her life, plus an additional 8 nights on ward 26a becoming stable, and where her parents and family went through daily training and education to learn how to manage her diabetes, insulin, highs and lows and care for her. The team at Starship were absolutely incredible and we will all be forever grateful for them, the ambulance staff and doctors who helped to save her life.

Now back home, Gem & Joe face the daily challenge of managing this life-long condition, as well as being parents to Tiara and her two beautiful older brothers (Kairo, 8 and Taika, 3) When Taika was born, he was admitted to SCBU diagnosed at Starship ENT for Laryngomalacia and underwent surgery on his airways at 11 weeks old, this family has been through SO much.

We’re reaching out to ask for support in easing the load for this incredibly loving and resilient family—whether it’s helping cover the cost of rent and bills while they've been unable to work and giving them some breathing room as they adjust to this new reality. Every little bit helps, and your kindness will make a huge difference in their journey.