Overwhelmed is how we’re all feeling right now – Everyone’s generosity from cash donations, raffle ticket sales and contributions to be auctioned at the charity dinner on the 24th in Renwick has been amazing – from the teenager who is giving her pocket money each week, to the businesses - The Brick Oven and REM who have donated large sums – it’s all very humbling.
For me it’s real a tribute to the Webb Family, and the respect they have in our community.
It all hit home for me last night when Simon Mannering, captain of the warriors and captain of the kiwis, who met the Webbs through their Make-a-Wish trip put into my bag his Kiwi game jersey from the semi-final they won against England in 2013, signed by the whole team. After he had already sorted out two signed warriors jerseys for me. He simply said we all have to do our bit for Jai. I sat out in the car afterwards and shed a tear – completely blown away.
Andy and Ness have heard from Starship and have been asked to go up for an appointment on the 24th with both the paediatric neurosurgeon and the spinal surgeon. At this appointment the surgeon will be outlining the options to Andy and Ness. From there they will know more and be able to make some decisions. Already I can see with all these trips up and down to Starship that the money already raised will be going to good use. A single return flight to Auckland from Blenheim is averaging them $550.00
Several people have asked me what the target is – and really we have no idea. The money that we are raising will go into an account for the Webb Children, it will initially be used for flights, and costs surrounding Jais surgery. They know from experience that living in Ronald Macdonald for any length of time is not cheap. As they don’t feed the families every day. Accommodation is covered, and breakfast supplied, the rest is up to the families to cover. Then it will begin to cover the loss of income for Andy who is a self-employed builder.
Once Jai returns back to Blenheim there will be rehabilitation costs. For example - We were looking at swimming lessons for end of year for her and Amy to carry on with and then realised – Jai won’t be able to turn her head to breathe anymore – so as a result will need disabled swimming lessons.
If there is extra left over – remember it won’t be the end for the Webb’s – as they do know in the next few years Kaleb is requiring a stent in his pulmonary artery, with Kaleb’s condition of only having half a heart – he requires regular check-ups and monitoring to ensure that the pumping system that he now has, is able to cope with him as he grows into teenage years. They also have no idea what other treatment Jai will require as she grows.
It really breaks my heart, to have to put all this in writing, as it makes it all that much more real. For those that know the Webb’s, realise how hard this is also – as they are very private people.
They have been contacted by media – and will be talking to them. They really want people to know how very grateful they are. Something Vanessa said also touched home “ I remember when I was pregnant with Kaleb, knowing he had hyperplastic left heart, and I picked up a magazine and read a story of a family who had just been through it all, that really gave me hope. So hopefully us telling our story might help one other family out there who may have to go through a similar thing one day.”
Charity Dinner and Auction – Rochelle Webb, Jais Aunty has done an amazing job of pulling together a Dinner and charity auction with over $10000 worth of items for the 24th April at the Woodbourne Tavern in Renwick, Blenheim. Massive thanks to Jessie Verhoef who is catering for the evening, and donating money from the dinner sales straight back to Jai.
Tickets are available at the Woodbourne, and more info on items on the Facebook event page. We really encourage anyone to come along to the night.
Raffle tickets are being sold throughout Nelson and Blenheim – Tyres and More in Nelson, REM in Rai Valley, RD1 in Rai, The Brick Oven Café, Havelock Bakery, Pelorus Preschool, Renwick Bakery, the list goes on. They will also be available at the Woodbourne on the night of the dinner.
We all feel very humbled, and to everyone, thank you for everything from the bottom of our hearts. It really is making a difference.
