Please help Julia eat and drink again!

Julia needs surgery which is not available in NZ. She cannot eat or drink and suffers from vomiting, pain and other horrific symptoms.

Julia is a bright, determined 15yo with an amazing attitude despite her terrible health challenges. Julia loves school and is a loyal, fun friend and sibling. She used to do competitive Cheerleading, tumbling, violin, debating and babysitting and helped teach younger Cheer teams. All this has been taken from her by her health issues.

Since March 2023, Julia has been in and out of hospital, sometimes for weeks with medical instability. She has endured dozens of horrific invasive procedures and relies on a nasal tube for all hydration and nutrition. She has very little quality of life.

Julia’s symptoms are caused by multiple abdominal vascular compression syndromes and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (a rare connective tissue disorder). Vascular surgeons in NZ, Germany and the US agree that Julia needs surgery asap. The longer her blood vessels are compressed, the more her organs are damaged. This highly specialized surgery is unavailable in NZ but an expert in Germany can operate her. The surgeon (who has treated over a dozen Kiwis) is confident his surgery will enable her to eat and drink, resolve her other symptoms and restore quality of life.

Julia is often told how she inspires people with her incredible resilience and positive attitude. All she wants is to go to school again, do her hobbies and have fun with her friends. Please help her.