Help Els Get The Urgent Surgery She Needs.

$8,859 of $70,000 goal
Given by 96 generous donors in 4 weeks

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 We’ve watched Els, once vibrant and full of life, become debilitated and withdrawn, living in excruciating pain.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

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Latest update

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So many women around the world are suffering   18 May 2025

So many women around the world 🌎🌏🌍are suffering from the complications of mesh, and they are in excruciating pain. Their suffering has NO WORDS between the mesh sisters. 🩷💜💛

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Latest donations

Lyn
Lyn 1 day ago
$200
Carmel Cochrane

Lyn, thank you so much for your support. The Cochrane family appreciates your kindness

Carmel Cochrane
Judith
Judith on 15 May 2025
Hope this goes well and lots of hugs
$100
Els Cochrane

Thank you so much Judith! That’s so kind of you. I’m really grateful 🩷

Els Cochrane
Love Hayley and Emma
Love Hayley and Emma on 15 May 2025
We will be thinking of you Els, and we wish you the very best outcome. Xo
$100
Els Cochrane

Thank you so much team. I would love to catch up with you both. I really appreciate your kindness x

Els Cochrane
Kerry
Kerry on 12 May 2025
$50
Carmel Cochrane

Thank you, Kerry, for your support 🙏, greatly appreciated.

Carmel Cochrane
Jhon
Jhon on 12 May 2025
$100
Carmel Cochrane

Thank you so much, John, we appreciate your support 🙌

Carmel 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 ends on 31 Jul 2025.