Hope for Holly - Support Her and Her Family Through This Journey 💜
5-year-old Holly faces a life-altering brain surgery. Help support her and her family through this journey 💜
Wellington
On October 1st, 5-year-old Holly had her first seizure. Since then, her seizures have steadily increased—she now has up to 70 a day, with constant activity in between.
Despite multiple treatments, her seizures are drug-resistant, and no medication can stop them. After months in and out of Wellington Hospital, she was airlifted to Auckland’s Starship Hospital for further testing.
Doctors are highly confident that Holly has Rasmussen’s Encephalitis, a rare neurological condition that causes seizures, cognitive decline, and paralysis or weakness. Without treatment, it will continue to destroy her brain function.
With no cure, the only option is a hemispherectomy, a major surgery where half of the brain is removed. This will leave Holly with permanent disabilities but stop the seizures and give her a chance at a quality of life.
Her parents have relocated to Auckland, leaving their home, jobs, and lives behind to be by her side—all while caring for their 2-year-old son, Levi. They have no idea how long they’ll need to stay as they await testing, surgery, and Holly’s long road to recovery.
🙏Thank you for your love, support, and kindness. 💜
Belinda Dodge's involvement (page creator)
Holly is my niece, and I am fundraising to support her and her family as they navigate this challenging journey.
Funds will be paid to Holly's mum Frances
Use of funds
Towards Holly's care ensuring she is supported and comfortable during and after. Includes her specialised dietary requirements and alternative treatments (such as CBD Oil) They will also allow her parents to provide full-time care to her by providing general financial aid
Latest update
A new chapter for Holly - Thank you everyone! 2 August 2025
Before we close this page, we just want to say the biggest thank you to every single person who supported Holly and our family during such a challenging time. Your donations have allowed Holly's family to be by her side when she needed it most 💜
Because of your support, Holly will be getting a Rifton trike - a specially designed therapeutic tricycle that provides extra stability and support to help with mobility challenges. This will be something that will help give her back a sense of independence and the joy of being a kid, especially now that her beloved scooter and bike can no longer be used. 💜
Holly is also booked in for a week long intensive private therapy course in Rotorua this January, where she will work to gain some movement in her left arm and hand.
Through it all, Holly’s stayed her bright, cheeky self and we are in awe of her strength and bravery. We are so proud of her as she steps into this next chapter.
Thank you so so much for being part of Holly’s journey. 💫
Lots of love!
Holly and her family x
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