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Support Young Family: Jay, Kim, Kade & Eli After Jay's Brain Haemorrhage

  • Latest Update

      16 July 2026
    Posted by: Sammy Dunham

    Firstly, thank you doesn't feel like enough. We are completely overwhelmed by the love, generosity, prayers, meals, messages, and support we've received. It has helped carry us through the hardest time of our lives.

    We're so grateful to share that Jay is now home. While this is another milestone, his recovery is only just beginning. The good news is there has been no further bleeding, and the swelling around the bleed is gradually settling. He's still experiencing headaches, significant fatigue, and loss of the left side of his vision in both eyes (homonymous hemianopia), so each day is focused on rest and healing.

    The doctors have advised that the next few weeks are critical for his recovery. To give his brain the best chance to heal, we're keeping brain stimulation and visitors to an absolute minimum while he rests. Thank you for understanding as we take this time to focus on his health.

    We're still waiting for follow-up appointments and another MRI in the coming weeks, which we hope will provide more answers about what caused the bleed once more of the blood has been reabsorbed.

    Recovery won't happen overnight, but we're holding onto hope and celebrating every small step forward. Thank you for continuing to keep Jay and our family in your thoughts and prayers. Your generosity has eased so much of the financial pressure and allowed us to focus on what matters most—Jay's recovery.

    With all our love and gratitude,

    Kim, Jay & the boys ❤️

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  • Update

      9 July 2026
    Posted by: Sammy Dunham

    We wanted to keep everyone updated on the latest with Jay.

    Unfortunately, Jay has had a setback and is back in hospital after we had to call an ambulance due to a sudden worsening headache and repeated vomiting.

    The good news is that his repeat CT scan has shown no new bleeding or anything else causing concern. However, it has shown increased swelling and fluid around the original bleed, which is being treated and closely monitored.

    Jay is currently in ICU, where he is being closely monitored by an incredible team of doctors and nurses. We are so grateful for the care he is receiving.

    While this isn't the update we were hoping for, we are thankful there hasn't been any further bleeding. Recovery from a brain haemorrhage is proving to be anything but straightforward, and we're learning there can be unexpected bumps along the way.

    As Jay is currently in ICU, he is unable to have visitors. We kindly ask everyone to continue to respect this while the medical team focuses on his care and recovery.

    Thank you all for your continued love, prayers, messages, and support. They continue to give Jay and our family strength. We'll keep you updated as we know more.

    Please keep Jay in your thoughts ❤️

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  • Latest update on Jay ❤️

      8 July 2026
    Posted by: Sammy Dunham

    Firstly, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are completely overwhelmed by the generosity, kindness, prayers, messages, and support we've received. Every donation and message has meant more than words can say.

    The good news is Jay has now been discharged from hospital and is finally home. While this is a huge milestone, his recovery is only just beginning.

    Jay's MRI confirmed a large intracerebral haemorrhage in the right occipital lobe. At this stage, there's still too much blood to determine what caused the bleed. The plan is to repeat the MRI in around six weeks, once the blood has been naturally reabsorbed, to hopefully identify the underlying cause.

    Many have asked why surgery isn't being done. Due to the location of the haemorrhage, the neurosurgical team believes operating could cause more harm than allowing the blood to absorb naturally, so careful monitoring and rest are the safest approach.

    Jay still has some vision loss, although we've seen small improvements each day. We don't yet know how much vision will return, and we're still waiting for answers, so he's not out of the woods just yet.

    The next six weeks are crucial. Jay needs plenty of rest and minimal brain stimulation, so we'll be limiting visitors for a few weeks while he settles in at home.

    Thank you again for carrying us through this incredibly difficult time. We'll continue to share updates as we know more.

    ❤️‍🩹 Kim xx

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    • 09/07/2026 by Chris

      🙏That's great news, thank you for the updates. 🙏🙏🙏

  • Update on Donations

      6 July 2026

    Update: Thank you all for your incredible generosity and support. To help manage everything during this difficult time, all donations will be deposited into Sammy’s (Kim’s sister’s) account. Sammy will be managing the funds on behalf of Jay and Kim to help support the family with day-to-day expenses throughout Jay’s recovery.

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  • Update from the Family

      5 July 2026

    Hi everyone,

    Jay remains under the care of the specialist team at Waikato Hospital. He is stable and continues to be closely monitored. Encouragingly, the pressure has reduced slightly, helping to ease some of his pain and sensitivity to light and movement. His appetite has returned, with regular requests for milkshakes, Doritos & treats! His pain has improved a little, he’s awake more, enjoying short convos & even sharing a few jokes, although fatigues quickly.

    The hospital has asked that visitors are limited so Jay can get the rest he needs & we kindly ask that this is respected.

    While these improvements are encouraging, it’s still early days & significant amount of blood obscuring the MRI images, making it impossible for doctors to determine the cause. Further imaging will take place in several weeks once the blood has cleared.

    Kim and Jay continue to show incredible strength, taking each day as it comes & focusing on Jay’s recovery.

    On behalf of Jay, Kim, Eli & Kade, thank you for the kindness & generosity shown over the past week. Your messages, prayers, donations & offers of meals, childcare, domestic help & other support have meant more than words can express.

    They often talk about the importance of having a village & seeing this community rally around them has been truly humbling & has reminded them they are not facing this journey alone.

    Thank you for continuing to keep Jay and his family in your thoughts. We’ll continue to share updates as we know more- Sammy D.

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    • 07/07/2026 by Chris

      Great news 🙏🙏🙏 Sending love and prayers from Chris and family