Help Xavier and our family

Xavier is a triplet, the middle child. He is 9 months old this month and has recently been diagnosed with Langerhan's Cell Histiocytosis and we are needing a warm dry home this winter to aid his (and his siblings) immune system.

We previously had a page up with very few donations (thank you to those who had donated!) At that time, we were aware something was wrong with Xavier but we thought it was eczema or dermatitis. Unfortunately, a month ago we found out that the lesions on his skin were in fact Langahan's Cells which indicated he had this condition - Langehan's Cell Histiocytosis (LCH). We have been down to see Christchurch Oncology and have a follow up plan here in Nelson with 2-4 weekly check ups to monitor his LCH. We now need this home ventilation system more than ever! For the whole family.

We were aiming to get $5000 to get a basic HRV system installed but since then, have looked into other brands and have received a quote for a Smart Vent Home Ventilation System with a Heat Transfer and Extraction Fan in the bathroom for much less! This time we are aiming to raise $4,400.00. Any donation would be greatly appreciated!

A bit about our story...

Ricky and I became a family of five on May 22nd last year. After being told we would need IVF to have children we decided that we would begin renovating our home to prepare for our much desired family. In September 2014 we got married and in early October we found out that we were expecting a baby! We were in complete awe and over the moon. We had received a quote for a home ventilation system and we planned on saving up so we could have it installed before our baby arrived. We had the moisture levels assessed in our home during this quote and the readings were frightening - the bathroom in particular (which backs onto the children's room). Not only is there mould in our bathroom but the ceiling had a reading of 70% moisture!

At our six week scan we were very surprised to see we had twins on the way! A big shock! (I cried and Ricky laughed from nerves). We were happy none the less, especially considering we were struggling to conceive. As we finished up our scan, something caught my eye... hiding on the screen was another baby! We were expecting not two, but THREE! TRIPLETS! A huge shock!

Whilst preparing for our triple blessings, we soon realised things were going to be tough. Not only were we partly through renovating our home, but we needed to get three of everything. We needed three cots, clothes, a triple pram and even a new car to fit us all in! Unfortunately, we were not going to get the house ready in time and by 19 weeks pregnant, I had to stop working due to my growing belly and pelvic joint pains requiring me to need crutches. Our income halved and we soon exhausted all means in order to survive and prepare for our babies.

On May 21st, my waters broke in the early hours of the morning. Medical staff were able to delay labour for a while but come the 22nd, our babies had decided on their birth date. Zander, Xavier and Harper were welcomed to the world at 33+5 weeks via emergency section. Being 6 weeks early, we then spent three weeks in the Special Care Baby Unit before we could go home.

The hospital was warm, our home was far from it. In order to keep warm, all five of us lived in the lounge where we could keep warm by the fire. The other end of the house was very cold and damp. Around three months old, after battling through the winter months, we transitioned the children to their own room of which they shared. We were able to heat their room with an oil heater. Due to limited income, and not being able to fit all five of us into one room, Ricky and I went without.

We are doing all we can, even more so now with Xavier's LCH, to ensure that this winter we all can keep warm and dry, with minimal illness.

Thank you for reading,

Zelia and Ricky