Help us help the families at Waikato NICU

$835 donated

Given by 16 generous donors in around 11 months

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Help us raise funds to improve the family facilities at Waikato Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Waikato

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I am fundraising to revamp the Family Room facilities in Waikato Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. They need a new sofa, table & chairs, coffee table, fridge and would like some artwork for the walls.

Families in NICU are in such a crazy world and having a nice, comfy, relaxing space away from the medical stuff and beeping machines is so important. It brings a touch of normality when it is much needed.

You can see photos of the current state of the Family Room in the Gallery, along with some photos of our story. I will post updates and am happy to answer any queries.

To give a little background to our story:

In July 2016 my son, Eoin, was born and immediately we were thrown into a mad world of neonatal intensive care, big scary medical words and lots of beeping machines. Eoin was diagnosed with tracheoesphagal fistula and oesphageal atresia, and has since developed tracheomalacia. Basically his food and wind pipes were mixed up and his wind pipe has a weakness. We spent 10.5 weeks in NICU and he underwent major surgery at day 2 of his life. Throughout this time, the team at Waikato NICU were amazing and did everything they could to care for all the families.

When I finally got my head straight after the whirlwind, I asked what could I do to help out and thank Waikato NICU. One area that they have been keen to improve is the family room. This room is where us parents would sit on battered old sofas, sharing a cuppa and often a few tears. We helped each other through each stage from shock to fear to sad to celebrating every little win. I have formed some amazing friendships in that room. One of things we joked about was the terrible state of it. The fridge didn't close properly and so had to be defrosted every single week. The sofas had tears and marks, the coffee table was wonky.

It would be fantastic to upgrade the room and would only take some good new leather sofas, a new fridge, new coffee table, new dining table and chairs and some nice artwork for the walls.

My plan is to raise money to pay for these items and to talk with businesses about donating items or at least giving at a discounted price. If you have any contacts that might be useful, please let me know. And if you could part with a few coins, it would be so much appreciated.

Vikki Reeves' involvement (page creator)

I am involved because I wanted to do something positive. I want something good to come from a crap situation.

I will fundraise and, in liaison with Waikato NICU staff, will buy the right items.

Use of funds

Funds raised will be used to buy a leather sofa, coffee table dining table, chairs, fridge and artwork for the Waikato NICU Family Room.

Check out these stories from beautiful babies and parents who ran the NICU gauntlet... 29 September 2017

Here are some of the stories shared from parents. There are photos in the gallery of their beautiful kiddies:

2 out of my 4 were Waikato nicu babies

My first was pretty traumatic the whole pregnancy lucky for me I was already in Waikato when the seizures started and were rushed into surgery at 33wks where the staff were amazing through his 6wk stay tests later showed pre eclampsia

My 2nd was prem due to growth issues @32wks and again the staff was absolutely amazing espicalku during my surgery as there was no time for anyone to come up and be with me

And here's my proof that words will never be enough to thank all the nicu nurses everywhere for what they do

-shared by Hollie Johnston

Felix spent his first 3 months in NCIU.

Had a (Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula) blind esophagus at the neck and the bottom end was attached to his windpipe. Surgery about 20hrs old. He's nearly good as gold.

- shared by Paul Derbyshire

I had my twins 4 months early both girls & I've been through alot while in waikato Hospital with them. They were both born 22 May 2016 . 1 of my girl Maraea-Rose weighed 696grams & my other daughter Tilly weighed 700grams. 6 weeks after they were born Tilly wasnt doing so well she got really sick and needed more oxygen , alot of medication just alot of help she needed. I couldn't watch her any longer going through sooo much pain that made me cried & heartbroken. So Me n her dad have to make an decision whiether to keep going with everything or let her free :'( . Trust me it was the hardest thing ever !!. 7 July 2016 Tilly has passed away. I held her & saw her took her last breathe <\3. Now my other daughter is doing just fine still on oxygen atm but she's been good. Now my daughter Maraea-Rose is 15months old. Her smile keeps me happy n strong love for my daughters Maraea-Rose <3 & my angel Baby Tilly 😇

- shared by Taara Vavia

I have had 2 nicu babies in waikato. Thankful for short stays. We had amazing nurses. Robyn the lactation consultant amazing one woman so valuable. We are under many areas still at waikato including peads and they have helped us through some rough times.

- shared by Carly Ritchie

my nicu baby. Born on the 19.September 2015. He was 15 weeks early.

- shared by Hamish Susanne Bjerring

You can see more info on the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FR4WaikatoNICU/

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