Let's kick Zazi's MS to the curb!

$46,312 of $75,000 goal

Given by 348 generous donors in around 9 months

Share Closed

Help Zazi get stem cell treatment to put her Multiple Sclerosis into remission - permanently.

Te Atatu South, Auckland

+11 images

My name is Zazi, I’m 26 years old from West Auckland. I am a registered nurse and was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in 2020 just as Covid hit NZ.

I am currently on 4 weekly infusions, an aggressive treatment for my very active MS with multiple lesions on my spinal cord and brain.

I have discussed stem cell treatment with my neurologist as this treatment is not available in NZ, even privately. He is open to the idea and supportive of me wanting to do as much as I can as early as I can to achieve all the things I set out to do. My options, at this stage, are India or Australia - both obviously carry a huge cost.

My beautiful family are supportive of whatever I feel I need to do and will be there through anything. My mum is the administrator for this page and will also travel with me to support me through the treatment.

This decision is not one I have taken lightly, but I had so many things I wanted to achieve and do. Covid and MS put on the brakes a little. But I’m ready to not let MS stop me anymore

Kate Couling's involvement (page creator)

My name is Kate, Zazi's mum. This terrifies me but I wholeheartedly support her decision to take back control of her life.

Use of funds

Medical, travel and living costs through treatment.

Final update 23 May 2023

We apologise for the delay in updating everyone!

Zazi has spent the last few months recuperating, working hard to get strong, eating and exercising well and doing all the right things.

There is no denying this was an extraordinarily tough journey for her (and all of us).. but.. today...

We received the all clear from her neurologist!

While the scarring she received prior to treatment will always be there affecting some of her functionality, a full MRI last week has disclosed no new outbreaks - effectively putting her MS into remission. She has an MRI and check in 12 months but he has essentially told her to get on with life and the next check up is likely to be the last.

This is such great, overwhelming news. We are still processing. But I felt we needed to let you all know as soon as we did as you have been instrumental in making this happen.

Bless you all - thank you all - we are so grateful for every single one of you.

Share this update

Read 11 more updates