Jaide
Born prematurely at 34 weeks, Jaide had to stay in the Christchurch NICU for 3 long weeks before being allowed to go home.
Everything was normal until Jaide was 9 months old, when she became sick with Croup and Bronchiolitis. Unlike many other children, her respiratory problems did not get better over time and she was diagnosed with Chronic Asthma at the age of 2, which she now requires 2 different types of monthly infusions as well as 3 different type sof daily inhalers, nebulizers, steroids and singulair tablets for.
After constant lung infections, Jaide was then diagnosed with bronchiectasis and abnormal bronchial branching in her lungs, which needed more medication, oral and IV antibiotics, daily physiotherapy, nebulizer treatments and constant hospital admissions.
In June 2018, Jaide experienced constant thirst and frequent urination, slept non-step for almost 8 days and lost 6kg in 2 weeks. During that time, we had multiple visits to the GP and after-hours clinics. We rushed her to the hospital for help as her condition was worsening.
Unfortunately, Jaide was diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes which now also requires (on top of everything else) frequent testing of blood sugars more than 6 times a day and at least 4 insulin injections daily.
Despite these health battles, she is a happy and thriving girl who refuses to let her illnesses stop her from doing anything she wants to do.
Other special ambassadors
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BenBenjamin was diagnosed with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele and Hydrocephalus at his Mum Catherine’s 20-week antenatal anatomy scan.
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LuccaLucca was diagnosed with an extremely rare and highly aggressive cancer called Epethelioid Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Sarcoma when she was just 16 months old.
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PaigePaige was born on December 6, 2021, entering the world prematurely at just 23 weeks and 4 days gestation, and weighing a tiny 525 grams
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EvaEva was born with only half a diaphragm after suffering a diaphragmatic hernia during fetal development.
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IslaIsla lives with type 1 diabetes. While type 1 diabetes is currently incurable, there are treatments available, but unfortunately all have a considerable impact on a person’s day-to-day life.
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JeremyBorn at 29 weeks and 5 days, Jeremy is one of the approximately 700 babies born preterm each year.
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MelaMela is diagnosed with an incredibly rare condition called Moebius syndrome
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Amelia & GraceTwins Grace and Amelia were born prematurely at 27 weeks. They have extreme chronic lung disease and Grace had her first open heart bypass surgery at 8 weeks of age.
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CorinCorin lives with a very rare genetic heart condition
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AddisonAddison was diagnosed with a staph infection, which caused damage to her heart.
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IsabellaBella was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at her Mothers 27-week anatomy scan
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HunterHunter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after his family noticed he was always thirsty and that his moods had changed.
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Matt JohnsonMeet Matt Johnson, a former midfielder for the Blues rugby team. Matt had rheumatic fever when he was 13 and has been experiencing severe heart problems ever since.
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SophieA urine test showed glucose, and a subsequent finger prick blood test showed elevated blood glucose.
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RichieHe had a persistent cough, had lost weight and become so lethargic he was short of breath even when lying flat on a bed.
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KaseKase lives with cystic fibrosis, a condition is typically detected at birth, but Kase was diagnosed at 8.
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JaideJaide lives with chronic asthma and type-1 diabetes.
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JacksonJackson had a tumour the size of a tennis ball attached to his optic nerve.
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FinnFinn was diagnosed with hypoplastic right heart, when his mother was 20 weeks pregnant.
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FinlayFinlay was diagnosed with type -1 diabetes at three-years-old.
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ChloeOur gorgeous little ambassador Chloe has suffered respiratory issues since she was an infant.
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BrookeAt six years old, Brooke was diagnosed with gelastic seizures.
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BraydenIn 2009, Brayden was cooking noodles when his t-shirt caught fire from the stove element. He received burns to 45 percent of his body.
