Van breakdown and a brain tumour – all in the same week!

Elaine and Ray are two of the most generous people we know. They have little material wealth but always give so much of themselves. In early April this year, Ray was diagnosed with Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme and given no hope of recovery from the medical establishment. The short-term prognosis was a huge shock and required some hard decisions about treatment right from the start. Ray is at home and Elaine is on a mission to keep him as well as possible, to enjoy quality of life.

That’s enough to deal with right?

But at the same time the transmission (and windscreen) went on their van, and repairs would have cost more than the vehicle! With only the pension and Family Tax Credit they didn’t have many options. For months, they’ve been using the bus, getting lifts or borrowing a car when available – but as time goes on, and winter has deepened, working out travel options for each trip is just adding to the stress. As friends and family, we’ve pitched in as much as we can but they need a working vehicle on site.

Ray and Elaine are always there for friends and community. Over the years they have fostered children and created work opportunities for young people in media. A couple of years ago they even moved out of town, living in temporary accommodation to support Elaine’s mum. When it was time for Elaine’s mum to go into full time care they refocussed on their own dreams.

They came back to Hawkes Bay this year to sell their house, build a house-truck and move to the South Island near Ray’s whānau. They had a vision of building a simple home, capturing local stories on video, like sustainable indigenous forestry, and living a rustic life in their semi-retirement. Their son was looking forward to joining the local Southland school. So when they received an offer on their house in March it was all systems go. Then April delivered a sharp U-turn.

Elaine and Ray have great faith. They are working hard on living well, planning for remission, and hoping to get their dreams back on track. Right now they need a vehicle. We hope you will help and thank you in advance for your generosity.

Liz and Lyn