Please support James, Claire, Molly and Elsie

Our dear friends James and Claire and their children, Molly (11) and Elsie (8) need our support.

Over a year ago James was diagnosed with MDS, a blood cancer. Since then, this incredible family has had their lives tipped upside down.

Pre-Christmas James underwent Stem Cell treatment. His recovery was going well, and early indications were that the treatment had been successful. However, in February, he unexpectedly developed Graft Vs Host Disease (GVHD) of the gastrointestinal system and has been in a very serious condition in hospital. He is responding to treatment, but GVHD is debilitating and James faces a very long recovery.

His brave family, as well as dealing with the emotional toll of this unforeseen development in his treatment, are now also faced with the significant financial burden of his ongoing care. Some of the unplanned costs include loss of income, regular travel to and from hospital, daily charges for hospital parking, unplanned meals, last-minute childcare etc.

They had a small amount of Trauma insurance which helped get them through the initial transplant but this has now been exhausted. This has left him and his family without any financial aid at a time of desperate, spiraling expenses. Bills are coming in daily and there is no clear end in sight. Claire doesn’t know how long James will be in hospital, nor how long his recovery post-hospitalisation will take.

Both James and Claire are self-employed and now, Claire must keep working to support the family. Up until now, thanks to their own savings and the generosity of family and friends, Claire has managed to work, visit James in the hospital, pay bills and organise childcare for the girls. But Claire needs more help, especially to provide the girls with a more stable routine and a sense of normalcy. It’s an immensely emotional time for them all.

James’ wellbeing and recovery depend on Claire being available to visit James in hospital. James’ immune system is so compromised that any infection could be fatal. Immediate family are the only permitted visitors. We don’t know how long James will be in hospital, nor how long his recovery post-hospitalisation will take. Unfortunately they do not have family support in Auckland to assist with ongoing childcare.

It is uncertain when he will be able to recommence work and in the short to medium timeframes will most likely not have the physical energy required to be a primary caregiver for his girls allowing Claire to focus on work.

While the priority at this time is finding someone to help look after the girls while Claire works, financially things are starting to get tight. There are significant costs to long term illness, petrol, parking, medications, meals on the run and loss of income. They are a proud family, but they are at a place where they are openly asking for a hand back up. Money can’t ‘fix’ this, but it can take some of the stress away from the family.

Please give a little to help this family in their hour of need.