Leanne’s Surgery – New Hope with Dr Frahm-Jensen in Canberra

Leanne is a devoted mum to her two young children, a loving wife, and a teacher who has always put others first. For years she has lived with severe, unexplained pain. Since 2021 her condition has become life-threatening — intense pain, vomiting, malnutrition, and repeated hospital stays.

After years of tests and surgeries she was finally diagnosed with severe Nutcracker Syndrome (and likely other related vascular compressions). These rare conditions require highly specialised care that is not widely recognised or treated surgically within New Zealand’s public health system.

Our original plan for surgery in the Philippines is no longer possible due to changing circumstances, new findings, and complications including blood clots and bleeding.

We are now seeking a specialist second opinion closer to home with Dr Gert Frahm-Jensen in Canberra, a vascular surgeon experienced in these complex syndromes. He is known for assessing and, where appropriate, treating multiple compressions in one procedure. If he believes surgery can help relieve most of Leanne’s symptoms, that will be an option we carefully consider.

She has an appointment on 29 October. Without further specialised care, her health will continue to decline. Funds will help cover travel, accommodation, medical costs, and family support so she can return to being fully present for her children and living a normal life.

Thank you for your continued support, and for standing with Leanne and our family. We really appreciate it.