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Valentine Tauamiti Epiglottis Attack - Huge Ireland Hospital Costs

$30,000 goal

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Created 5 years ago

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We are helping raise funds for Valentine who is currently recovering in Ireland ICU from a rare Epiglottis attack.

Canterbury

Val & Amie have been living/working in Ireland for the past 6 months. Val has been battling a cold/flu for last couple weeks. On Saturday the 12th of January (Ireland Time) he had Epiglottis attack caused by a viral infection which in turn blocked his airway up by 95% and was admitted into the Intensive care unit.

Specialists said Val was a freak for breathing unassisted for so long and came very close to meeting his maker. Currently Val is recovering in ICU till the virus and swelling passes. He's still got his full sense of humor and in true Tauamiti style is saying he is fine, and fit just struggling to swallow.

On top of this crazy story his wife was on a quick trip back to Queenstown, NZ for a friends wedding. So Amie has been really struggling not being by her hubby's side & trying to figure out how she can get back to Val quicker. Val and Amie have been meaning to get their insurances sorted and only last week were chatting about needing this in place sooner than later. Well unfortunately this didn't happen in time and turns out Hospitals in Ireland are not cheap.

ICU is costing them about €3500 ( $6,000 NZD per/day). We have since found out approximately €800/day is covered by the public system which is great, but there is still a massive shortfall. As of 17/01/2019 Val has been in ICU 5 going on 6 days. We are not sure how long he'll be in there for at this stage.

We all know Val would go the extra mile for us, it would be awesome if we can all come to the party and contribute some dollars to help our good friends out.

Timothy Dunn's involvement (page creator)

I am a good friend of the Tauamiti's and just want to help out. I have been privy to info that the daily ICU costs are only partially covered by the hospital and that they are not sure how to cover the balance.

Use of funds

Funds will go towards helping out Val and Amie with the medical expenses, any surplus will be donated to a good cause.

Latest update

Update from Valentine 30 January 2019

“A warm greetings to you all from in front of the fire, on a cold winters afternoon in Wicklow.

It is a week since I was discharged from St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin. And just over two weeks since I arrived at the emergency department, struggling to breathe and feeling the full affects of the flu.

I have spent the past week resting, recouping and reflecting on the generosity, aroha and prayers I have been the humble recipient of over the past two weeks. So incredibly humbled by people’s want to help! From the bottom of the heart, I want to say THANK YOU! Words cannot express my gratitude, for every single one of who has blessed us. Although I was on the other side of the world, far from loved ones and family, I most definitely was not alone. At times it felt lonely, but knew that I was not alone. Comforted by your messages, thoughts and generosity! I have come to the conclusion that I am the luckiest man on earth, to be surrounded by so many supportive and loving friends.

I am still on meds for a few weeks and have ongoing checkups with the specialist. At this stage we are still waiting for the final bill to be sent by the hospital. All will be confirmed in the coming weeks, and we will communicate as we hear back from them.

Once again a huge thank you and faafetai lava to all of you who opened up your hearts, and wallets to help me in my hour of need. All my love, Valentine.”

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