Stories

When Zareena was diagnosed with a terminal degenerative genetic disease at the age of five, her parents knew her condition was incurable and that she would continue to deteriorate. They are dedicating themselves to her care and the whole family’s wellbeing in the present.

Stories

When Nora was three-and-a-half, her younger sister Lumi was born with a very rare heart defect. The Zilmer family was living in Europe at the time. Despite a positive prognosis, Lumi suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at three months old and was unable to be resuscitated.

Events

We reflect on the outcomes of our latest fundraising campaign: the Winter Swim Challenge. While fundraising is crucial for an organisation like Kenzie's Gift, the sense of community a campaign like this creates is just as important, and has far-reaching benefits.

Grief

When a loved one dies, we’re in no man’s land. The person we expect to be in a certain place is not there, and nothing will bring them back. Brain fog, rage, confusion, memory problems, panic attacks, insomnia and unpredictable floods of feelings may all be along for the ride.

Stories

Finding the words to explain death and grief to our tamariki / children can be really hard. Well-written books provide us with useful ways of framing the concepts of death and grief, which can support you in your discussions with your taitamaiti / child.‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Stories

"But we have a four year old!" Sitting in the oncologist's office in November 2023 with my husband, I'd just been told that I have advanced breast cancer. My oncologist made it clear at this appointment, that I won't be around to see our son grow up. And it broke my heart.

Stories

At just 9 months old, Zander McCallum was diagnosed with a rhabdoid tumour on his kidney. His older brothers Case and Riley were 3 and 6 at the time. The family had less than three months to make memories with Zander before he died on New Year’s Eve 2019. ‎ ‎

Serious illness

Having a seriously ill person in the family affects every aspect of life. You might be dealing with treatments and doctor’s appointments, caring for someone at home, taking care of tamariki / children or supporting your family financially – or all of the above.

Stories

When Bronte Murney was 14, her dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer. He died from complications following surgery just over a year later. Several weeks after his death, New Zealand went into COVID lockdown. Bronte found herself struggling with anxiety and feelings of isolation.