Meet Iyla

She spent her 3rd birthday in ICU. Here’s how $1 helped.

Meet Iyla — three years old, living with Dravet Syndrome, a rare and severe epilepsy that begins in infancy and lasts a lifetime. It affects around 1 in every 15,700 births.

Seizures are frequent, hard to control, and can impact development over time. Families also face disrupted sleep, feeding issues, movement difficulties, and the constant risk of prolonged seizures.

Iyla spent her birthday in Starship’s PICU after a 10-day admission. When her mum reached out, the ask was simple but vital:

A reliable pulse oximeter

An accurate thermometer

These aren’t luxuries — they’re essentials that could help prevent another emergency admission. Thanks to $1-a-week supporters, we stepped in so her family can focus on what matters most.

But here’s the bigger picture:

Why do we trust big charities that take 30% — but not two mums taking nothing?

Social media might be the scam capital of the world — but together, we’re flipping it into a giving machine.

For every Iyla, there are two more families waiting. With just $1 a week, we can reach them too.

Donate $1 a week at kiwistogether.org.nz/donate

Share this post so more people see what’s possible when everyday Kiwis back each other

100% of every donation goes into a trust account and is paid directly to providers — never to individuals. That’s how we make sure your $1 really does change lives.