Even Superheroes Need Help Sometimes

Media Release from Kidney Kids of NZ

Even Superheroes Need Help Sometimes

"Gosh! Elliott looks pale, why don't you get his iron levels checked?" — these few words from aunt to mother got him to the doctor and saved eleven year old Elliott Goldfinch’s life. It also launched the boy and his family on a roller coaster ride they will never forget.

The blood results prompted the family GP to call next day with the message that Elliott be collected from school and taken straight to Palmerston North Hospital. Elliott’s mother Charmayne Goldfinch reflects, “Warning bells should have rung when we were greeted at A & E by two doctors and admitted to the children's ward.

“But the following day the bombshell fell — a diagnosis of chronic renal failure and our world exploded.

“Two trips to Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland followed, one for a kidney biopsy and another to discuss a transplant. We were told Elliott possibly had nephronophthisis, a rare genetic condition.”

In desperation Charmayne rang Kidney Kids of NZ: “Suddenly, we were not going through this nightmare alone” she says.

In October 2012 they returned to Starship for Elliott to begin haemodialysis, and next month mother and son underwent life-changing surgery, where Charmayne’s kidney was placed into her son’s abdomen.

Charmayne adds, “Through every procedure, long days on the ward and later recuperating at Ronald McDonald House, the smiling faces of Kidney Kids staff were with us. They offered practical help and emotional support. They genuinely cared for not only Elliott and I, but the whole family. We will be forever grateful that such a wonderful organisation exists.”

Just over five months have passed since Elliott’s transplant. Charmayne says, “We still take things one day at a time, it’s wonderful to see that his cheeky smile is back!”

Fundraising & Events Manager Jo Morgan says, “When I first met Elliott, he and his family were experiencing great stress and anxiety. It was our absolute privilege to walk beside them on their journey. Many of our Kidney Kids face invasive, often uncomfortable treatments and procedures that an adult would find hard to tolerate. To this end, we wanted our campaign to recognise the heroic and courageous journeys they are on and the battles they fight, in many cases, every day of their young lives.”

After a period of recovery, Elliott attended Kidney Kid’s Camp KeeWee in February this year. “It was such a joy to see him running around like a ‘regular boy’ and enjoying what many of us take for granted, our good health” says Jo.

Kidney Kids Family & Community Educator Rachel Barrett says: "Kidney disease can quietly creep up on families and is debilitating at any time. Kidney failure in children is devastating as it disrupts physical and social growth and development. It can place emotional and financial stress on families. Early warning signs of kidney disease can be mistaken for general childhood illnesses which is more than often all that they are. However, if you are at all concerned, get in touch with your GP."

Kidney Kids Annual Appeal Week runs from April 22 to 28. To make a $20 donation please phone 0900 533 933, or visit HYPERLINK "http://www.kidneykids.org.nz" www.kidneykids.org.nz to make an online donation of your choice. You can also make a donation over the counter at any ASB bank or look out for official collectors at various shopping malls throughout the country.

The Annual Appeal invites Kiwis to help Kidney Kids of NZ walk beside the children and their families. Kidney Kid Elliott appears in official appeal posters wearing a cartoon superhero cape alongside Kidney Kid’s patron Jonah Lomu, with the strapline “Even Superheroes need help sometimes!”.

Backgrounder: Kidney Kids

For over 21 years, Kidney Kids of NZ has provided emotional and practical support to children and their families who live with kidney and/or urinary tract disease — ranging from more minor illness, albeit debilitating, through to end stage renal failure requiring treatment such as dialysis and/or a kidney transplant.

Our mission is to help support our Kidney Kids to live the best lives possible and to offer their families the best support and information available. We raise awareness and educate our communities about the early warning signs of kidney disease in children.

Kidney Kids of NZ currently supports approximately 1,000 New Zealand children who have kidney disease and/or urinary tract disorders and their families.

www.kidneykids.org.nz

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