Young Mum and Toddler in Double Health Crisis

Lucy and Antonio, young parents of three, are currently facing an overwhelming health crisis. Their 3-year-old Esmé has 1p36 Deletion Syndrome causing severe health issues. She requires multiple surgeries at Starship Children’s Hospital. Esmé's medical journey includes extended hospital stays and she is the youngest New Zealander to have had pacemaker surgery.

In October 2023, Lucy had an unexpected health decline and Antonio had to sacrifice his career to care for his wife, disabled child, toddler, and infant son. Both unable to work, they started to seriously struggle financially.

Lucy has been diagnosed with disability, chronic pain, and mobility issues. She often uses a walking stick at just 23 years old. Lucy is suspected to have Multiple Sclerosis but her condition remains undiagnosed due to a long waiting list for MRIs, leaving her in constant pain.

Esmé is awaiting 3 surgeries, and the Gabriels are unsure how they will support both Esmé in the hospital and Lucy at home.

Over the past few days Lucy has been to urgent-care and the hospital for a dental emergency leaving her with severe swelling in her jaw. They cannot afford the surgery needed. The blows of this family’s financial and health crisis just keep coming.

All Lucy wants is to go back to being the devoted caregiver she once was to Esmé.

Please help the Gabriels pay for Lucy’s surgery and MRIs, as well as support them financially while they navigate a health crisis, surgeries, hospital stays, and raising 3 children.

Please see our new page here https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-us-help-esme-as-she-faces-multiple-surgeries