Help Els Get The Urgent Surgery She Needs.

$14,224 of $70,000 goal
Given by 119 generous donors in around 4 months

Els suffers from pelvic mesh complications and possible lymphoma. She urgently needs life-changing surgery overseas—please help. #helpels

Waikato

If you know Els and Clint, you’ll know how private they are, so asking for help is not something they do lightly. But today, our family is asking on their behalf. We’ve watched Els, once vibrant and full of life, become debilitated and withdrawn, living in excruciating pain.

Nine years ago, Els had surgery for stress incontinence and prolapse. A polypropylene pelvic mesh implant was recommended as a permanent solution—with a promised 2% risk of complications, when the real complication rate is closer to 40%. The mesh hardens, shrinks, and cuts into pelvic organs, causing nerve damage, chronic infections, and extreme pain. It has been linked to autoimmune disorders and cancer. Els also has inflamed lymph nodes in her small bowel, which is being monitored through CT scans due to a potential risk of lymphoma.

Els has one of the most complex mesh types to remove. If not removed correctly, she could face permanent incontinence, nerve damage, and even the inability to walk. Yet, leaving it in poses even greater risks. New Zealand has banned mesh implants (in most cases), but treatment options are limited.

World-renowned specialist Dr. Veronikis in the USA has reviewed her case and is prepared to operate. This is her only chance at recovery. With the cost at over $70,000NZD, every dollar raised will go toward her life changing surgery!

Please help her get the surgery she urgently needs.

Carmel Cochrane's involvement (page creator)

I am Els's sister.

Use of funds

All money raised will go towards:

- Hospital and surgical fees

- Airfares to the specialist surgeon

- Accommodation during recovery

- Post-operative care and associated costs

Other page links

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Latest update

Els Surgery Booked  2 September 2025

Els surgery with Dr. Dionysius Veronikis is booked for 8:30am, on September 2, at Grace Hospital. this is approximately midnight NZ time.

I'll post updates after the surgery.

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Latest donations

Karen Quinn
Karen Quinn on 26 Aug 2025
All the very best for the surgery, we all need you back fighting-fit :) Take care xx
$200
Carmel Cochrane

Thank you so much for your well-wishes!

Carmel Cochrane
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 10 Jul 2025
Private
Els Cochrane

Thank you so much for your generous donation. I really appreciate it.

Els Cochrane
💗IRENEE💗
💗IRENEE💗 on 09 Jul 2025
💗a small addition to add to the first lot darling!💗
$60
Els Cochrane

Thank you so much Irenee you are such a kind person x

Els Cochrane
Tania and Mark
Tania and Mark on 05 Jul 2025
Private
Els Cochrane

Thank you both so much for your kindness I really appreciate it.

Els Cochrane
Steve and Brenda
Steve and Brenda on 02 Jul 2025
Private
Els Cochrane

Thank you both so much, I really appreciate your support. X

Els Cochrane

Who's involved?

Els Cochrane's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Els Cochrane
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This campaign started on 20 Apr 2025 and ended on 27 Aug 2025.