Helping a loving mum of five who has always cared for others rebuild her independence after an unexpected FND diagnosis.
Taumarunui, Manawatu-Wanganui
Imagine going into hospital for an operation, expecting to recover and return home to your family, only to wake up to a life you no longer recognise.
This is our sister’s reality.
Following a hysterectomy, it took approximately three hours for her to wake. When she did, she was displaying stroke-like symptoms.
After multiple tests ruled out a stroke, she was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition affecting how the brain communicates with the body.
Now, everyday tasks we take for granted — eating, brushing her teeth and getting dressed — are things she must relearn.
Our sister is a loving mother of five, but her heart has always had room for more.
For years, she’s opened her heart and home, taking in people who needed somewhere safe to stay, giving them love, security and a sense of belonging.
She’s spent years being a safe place for others. Now she needs us to be that safe place for her.
As the main income earner, she’s currently unable to work. But the bills, groceries and everyday expenses haven’t stopped.
We’re raising funds to ease that financial burden and help with living expenses, rehabilitation and recovery.
We’re not asking for luxuries. We’re asking for breathing room.
If you can donate or share, please know how much it means.
She’s spent years being there for others.
Now it’s our turn to be there for her. ❤️
She is my only sister
Funds will help cover household bills, groceries, living expenses, medical appointments and rehabilitation while our sister is unable to work, allowing her to focus on recovery and regaining her independence without financial stress. ❤️
Billy on the behalf of ATA 🫶 21 October 2026
Hey whanau its me Billy this is a message to you all from Ata,
I just want to take a moment to say a massive thank you to everyone who has reached out, sent their love, prayers, kind messages and koha to our whānau. ❤️
Please know that I see all the love coming through, and I am truly overwhelmed by the amount of aroha and support we have received. It means more to me and my whānau than words can explain.
Please don't take offence if I haven't responded to your messages. At the moment, my brain isn't functioning the way it normally would, and even the simplest things, like replying to a message, can sometimes feel really difficult and overwhelming.
I'm taking things one day at a time, trying to navigate this new reality and allow myself the time to heal.
But please know, your messages aren't going unnoticed, your kindness isn't going unappreciated, and your aroha is definitely being felt. ❤️
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for wrapping your love around me and my whānau during this difficult time.
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. ❤️
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