Keepa-Adams Recovery

Tena koutou katoa

Hira and Nancy Keepa and Mere Adams have been in Acute care Tauranga hospital for a week now after contracting an extremely rare condition called BOTULISM. They ate some bottled bubu (shellfish) and reacted almost immediately. Botulism causes upper respiratory problems, paralysis and the toxin attacks the nerve system.

The medicine wasn’t readily available in New Zealand however it was eventually sourced internationally and administered 2 days ago. Thank God they are all now responding positively to start their journey to recovery.

Hira, Nancy and Mere (the 3 amigos) are kanohi kitea within our little iwi of Te Whanau-a-Apanui. They are highly respected because of their tireless commitment and dedication to almost every kaupapa going. The aroha they have for whanau, hapu, iwi and community is both outstanding and inspiring and, if the shoe was on the other foot, I have no doubt that they would be doing something like this for others.

This page was created for those of us who feel a bit helpless and would like to contribute to their recovery - it will be a long road for all of them. The doctors say maybe a year. Its also worth noting that it took a few days for them to agree to the setting up of this page but I’m so glad they did. I know that any contribution regardless of how big or small will be sincerely appreciated. "Kotahi taku huata ki Hauruia he mano he mano he mano".

Arohatinonui na matou katoa o te kainga

Leanne Morehu