Hi Everyone! My name is Maddi Wilson, I’m 9 years old and l have "Chronic Suppurative Lung Disease”,

Hi Everyone! My name is Maddi Wilson, I’m 9 years old and live in Tauranga!

This letter is an introduction into who I am.

Ever since I was born I have struggled to stay healthy and always seem to be going to hospital for treatment and on-going investigations so the doctors and nurses can work out what I have, and how to manage it long term.

What we know is that I have “Chronic Suppurative Lung Disease”, along with Asthma, and we think “Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia” but are waiting on further diagnosis to confirm this.

All of this means I get sick really easily (like every week) and when I do, it affects me more than most other kids.

I'm having to get IV antibiotics almost constantly through my portacath, but since I started using a “shared” machine from the hospital called a “Cough Assist” it helps me clear the “gunk” out of my lungs, meaning the bacteria and virus don’t get a chance to overwhelm me so much.

This machine has been a game changer. Since using it I haven't needed as much IV antibiotics and barely any hospital treatment to control the pneumonia and chest infections!

Only problem is that the machine is lent out to several others too, and if my illness flares up while it is away with someone else, I end up back in hospital where i am now.

Mum and Dad (Victoria & Danniel) are trying to raise the $20,000 we need to buy one of these machines but they need help, and that’s where we hope you may be able to help us.