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Help Kai get life saving surgery

$5,965 of $180,000 goal
Given by 133 generous donors in around 12 months

Help Kai get life saving surgery

Waikato

Hi, I'm Kai, I'm 17. I suffer from severe pain, dislocating joints, fainting, and constant nausea and vomiting. For years, doctors have dismissed my symptoms, leaving me without medical care or treatment. Without medical help, my condition will continue to deteriorate, limiting further my already very limited life.

But there's a glimmer of hope, I've finally received a diagnosis for my mystery illness. I have Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (HEDs) and Abdominal Vascular Compression Syndromes (AVCs). These conditions are the underlying cause for my symptoms.

Fortunately, AVCS can be treated with surgery to improve my symptoms, however as AVCS are very rare this surgery is unavailable in NZ. This means I have to self-fund the huge cost to undergo surgery in Germany. Without this surgery, my life will continue to be limited due to my symptoms.

Financially, things are difficult, I’ve supported myself since I was 16. I'm studying vet nursing, doing volunteer work, and working a cleaning job but due to my ill health, my ability to study and work has been severely limited. Unfortunately, I don't have family support to fall back on.

I'm incredibly grateful for anything you donate. If you're unable to contribute financially, sharing my story with your networks would also make a huge difference. Thank you so much for your kindness and support. If I can't raise enough funds for the surgery, every donation will go toward my ongoing medical care.

Thank you for your help,

Kai.

Use of funds

Funds that are raised will go towards paying for medical expenses such as Doctors visits, tests that can't be done publicly, and other associated costs as a result of my health.

In addition, funds will now also be going towards the trip to Germany and medical procedures there.

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Latest update

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Health Update  17 April 2024

Unfortunately over the last month or so my condition has rapidly deteriorated, leaving me dependant on a feeding tube and a port in my chest to sustain my nutrition and hydration. I am unable to continue working in the job I had, and I have had to leave my Vet Nursing studies. I am still looking for a job that is more suited around my health, however the costs that arise from my health have made things incredibly difficult for me.

It has been confirmed that my only option to have any relief from the most severe symptoms I experience is surgery. Currently my only option for surgery is in Germany, at the total cost of $160-180k. This is an impossible cost to meet alone for a surgery that is needed now more than ever before.

It has been an incredibly difficult and challenging journey, but in the meantime I am continuing with my volunteer work, and just taking each day as it comes as until I am one day able to have surgery. I am incredibly greatful for all the support and any donations that have been made so far. I couldn't have made it this far without it.

Much love, Kai.

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Latest donations

Jane
Jane on 04 Aug 2024
Happy birthday Kai 😊
$50
j
j on 02 Jul 2024
stay strong
$50
Uncle Gary
Uncle Gary on 02 Jul 2024
$50
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 01 Jul 2024
$20
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 01 Jul 2024
$20

Who's involved?

Kai Hay's avatar
Created by, and paying to a verified bank account of, Kai Hay
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This campaign started on 2 Sep 2023 and ended on 30 Aug 2024.