Meet Kip

Kip's story as shared by his Mum Gemma

"12 weeks ago Kip complained of sore legs and feeling tired. Over the next month after 2 hospital admissions, a diagnosis and 2 unsuccessful treatments (immunoglobulin infusions), we returned to Waikato hospital, this time in a wheelchair. By now Kip had lost full mobility and couldn't stand. His arms and hands were also weak. He couldn't feed himself or grip a pen properly. We waited for a bed at Starship and were transferred after 3 nights of watching Kip decline further. By the time we arrived at Starship the weakness had spread to Kip's chest and it was hard for him to breathe deeply.

The diagnosis had changed to CIDP (Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy) and steroids + further IVIG treatment began. After 10 days we were transferred to a live in child rehabilitation centre to begin Kip's recovery. Earlier on we had began to seek alternative treatment for Kip which came at a significant financial cost as we were already living away from our home and separated as a family. With Kiwis Together help we were able to access advice and alternative treatment from a well known naturopath specializing in child autoimmune disease.

Over the next 5 weeks, Kip worked hard at his physio every single day.

Kip has made amazing progress and we are so, so incredibly thankful to Kiwis Together for supporting Kip and our family through this uncertain time. We are so grateful we have been able to receive alternative help during his recovery and it is obvious to us that it made a significant impact on his progress so far. Thank you Danielle and thank you Kiwis Together for being such an important part of our journey "