Tayana's brave fight
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ONEHUNGA 10-year-old Tayana Tutu might just be one of the bravest little girls in the world.
She is heading to Australia later this month to prepare for a double lung and heart transplant.
The former Te Papapa Primary School student has a non-specific lung disease that has meant her scarred lungs make it hard for her body to get enough oxygen.
Melbourne's Alfred Hospital will carry out the procedure, which is not offered in New Zealand.
Mother Juanita Lum says Tayana became sick just before she turned two and will be the first child Starship hospital has recommended for this type of transplant.
At the end of 2008 the family were told that Tayana's condition had deteriorated and she was given one to two years to live.
"It was not an easy process. It was emotionally and physically draining. She started having blue spells," Juanita says, referring to occasions where her daughter would turn blue and collapse.
Tayana was taken out of school following fears she would collapse around people who would not know what to do.
Last year the family decided to hand in their notice on their Housing New Zealand home and have been staying with Juanita's sister Ellen Lum since.
Her parents gave up work to spend more time with their daughter. Juanita says when Tayana's health problems started she was admitted to Starship for six weeks. She now needs an oxygen supply because her heart is working harder than normal.
"It's rare. It started off as a cold. She became lethargic. It's been a combination of things.We're open with her. She knows everything about her body."
She says Tayana has asked her loved ones if she is going to die, to which the family respond that everyone will die at some stage in their lives.
Ellen says Tayana's brother, Dante, 11, is good to her and takes care of her.
The family say there is a 95 per cent success rate for the operation.
Ellen is also organising a gala day to help the family with living costs in Australia because they could be there for six to 12 months. Tayana's mother says the Government will fund part of the cost but they will need more for related expenses. They are aiming to raise $5000.
The gala day will run from 10am to 2pm at Te Papapa Primary School on April 10.
It will feature a bouncy castle, stalls and live entertainment and visitors are invited to take part in a car-boot sale, for $15 per site. Contact Ellen for details on 0210664727.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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