Back to page

Support Dave's recovery from a double lung transplant

  • Thank you, thank you, thank you!

      13 August 2023
    Posted by: Rachel Olsen

    I have just figured out how to comment to each and every one of you for your generous gifts, love, compassion and prayers. We were, and continue to be, so humbled by the amazing support from friends as well as people we don't even know. It was the darkest time in our lives and your kind words, thoughts, and gifts added light. It was so amazing to not have to worry about how we were going to pay the bills during this time, and to be able to focus on healing. To the family who lost their son and gave us the most amazing gift - another chance at life - we will be eternally grateful and will do our best to honour the memory and gift of your child! We are doing our utmost to pay it forward. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Blessings to you all! Dave and Rach

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Update 4

      7 May 2023
    Posted by: Rachel Olsen

    We were allowed to go home for a week last week. It was both lovely and strange to be home. We spent the week with Dave resting and Rach trying to sort repairs for the storm damage and organising new hobs as we had a gas leak while we were in hospital. This week we travelled back to Auckland for another round of tests. It looks as though everything is going well for Dave and he just needs to continue physio, building up his strength and putting on some weight. We will return to Auckland in a month for another check up. This has been such a long, and at times harrowing, journey for us and our family. Once again we thank each and every one of our sponsors and supporters. It truely is so humbling and we are so grateful. Love and blessings to you all!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Update 3 out of hospital

      30 March 2023
    Posted by: Rachel Olsen

    Hi all, we are so pleased that Dave was able to move from hospital to a rehabilitation centre. Here he goes to the gym every day. He has a long way to go but each day can walk a bit further and eat a bit more. We are so grateful to all the staff at Auckland hospital, they are amazing and we are eternally grateful for the amazing care we received. Nurses really do deserve a pay rise!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • UPDATE 2

      19 March 2023
    Posted by: Rachel Olsen

    Kia Ora koutou,

    This journey really has been a roller coaster of ups and downs. Dave has been out of ICU for a bit over a week and is beginning to eat and walk again. We were starting to feel rather positive, but last weekend he started spiking some high temperatures and feeling awful. Late this week we were told he may have to have another major surgery, but yesterday they told us they are hoping to get away with a less invasive surgery. Next week will be more tests etc and then a decision will be made. It really is an emotional roller coaster and at times has been so hard emotionally as well as physically. It is in these times we remember our support team back home including people that we have not even met, and feel a huge rush of gratitude. Our son is up here visiting for a few days, which has bolstered our spirits too. A huge thank you to everyone for their support and for supporting our family at home too. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Nga mihi nui.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Update1

      2 March 2023
    Posted by: Rachel Olsen

    Kia Ora koutou, we are so humbled and grateful to those of you that have supported us through texts, cards and donations. We really appreciate your support! Dave is still in ICU in Auckland and is still ventilated, but this should be removed next week hopefully. He has managed a few walks on a frame with support and now just needs to build up his strength. We hope to get home in a few months. Thanks once again for all your support, it means the world to us!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment