Wishlist Projects
We always have special projects on our wishlist and the Foundation is always keen for support to get these exciting ventures off the ground! Because we rely entirely on the support of others and our own fundraising efforts, sometimes these projects can take time, but the benefits are always huge!
CURRENT PROJECTS
Patient Centre and Patient Accommodation
2011 - 2015
Cost: $2.5-5 million
Our vision - A Community Support Centre for PID and Liver Transplant
Patients
This is a big one! The Foundation is aware of the many challenges families
undergoing transplant face. Lengthy admissions to hospital pre-transplant, the
trauma and stress of this major, life saving surgery and long periods of
post-transplant recuperation in hospital.
The Foundation commenced fundraising to build the IDFNZ Patient Support Centre and adjacent Patient Accommodation early this year. This project may take many years to reach the full target, but it is our aim that its progress be staged, and that we eventually provide between 2 and 5 separate 'homes' to house our member families for this post-transplant transition phase.
Sub -Cutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIG) Pumps Project
2011-2013
Cost: $50,000
Our patient members affected by Primary Immune Deficiency disorders are affected by faulty immune systems and are unable to make their own anti bodies. Collectively, they represent the main recipients of donated human plasma, undergoing routine intravenous treatment with immunoglobulin (plasma) infusions at hospital day clinics every 3-4 weeks. Without the immunoglobulin treatment these patients would be unable to fight infections and their lives would be constantly at risk.
SCIG pumps deliver the immunoglobulin into the subcutaneous fat (under the
skin) rather than by vein - and thus allow this life saving treatment to be
undertaken at home by the patient or caregiver. By having their own pumps,
patients are given the freedom to administer the immunoglobulin at their
convenience, meaning a lesser number of long and arduous visits to the hospital
each month and more quality time at home with family.
We are hoping to raise $50,000 to provide eighteen of these pumps to our PID
patients, and are delighted to announce that we are almost halfway there after
an extremely generous donation from the Freemasons of New Zealand.
RECENT PROJECTS
National Family Conference and 21st Birthday
One of the main highlights of 2010 was the National family conference which was held over 3 days in July and which was combined with our 21st birthday celebrations. We were fortunate to attract both international and national speakers of a high calibre. The conference was very well-attended by more than 180 people over the weekend, with a mix of PID and TXP patients, families, and speakers.
The quality of the PID and Transplant talks were outstanding , providing much needed advice and information for patient members and caregivers. IDFNZ would like to thank the wonderful medical professionals supporting the event and giving freely of their precious time, energy and expertise. A large contingent of Board Members, their families and other volunteers also ensured that the proceedings ran smoothly and we are indebted to these people for their help.
Linked to the conference was a 3 day youth programme held for PID and Transplant patients and siblings aged 5-16yrs. The group enjoyed activities such as rock climbing, abseiling, team games ,and orienteering - as part of a our KIDS Foundation Games. Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to the winning teams at the closing ceremony.
We were privileged to hear a talk from Ken Newman, president of the Transplant Games Association and learn more about the next Australian and World ( Sweden 2011) Transplant games. Many of the youngsters attending have set personal goals of participating in these events. The group also enjoyed a full days outing exploring Auckland - visiting Sky City and the worlds highest sweet shop, the Auckland Museum, Winter garden's and Zoo. The zoo was the final destination and the venue of our 21st Birthday dinner and a special night safari event. Thank you to the wonderful Youth leaders looking after the group - Tabetha, James, Joshua Whyte , Daniella, Alexandra, Danielle, Joshua Tattley, Charlotte, Sara, Jayseetha and Aidan.
Thanks also to the sponsors who made this possible : Oxford Sports Trust, Mt Wellington Foundation, Four Winds Foundation, Lion Foundation, The Perry Foundation.
