By Abbey Cameron (NDHB)
Beautiful waiata sung by students from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Rawhitiroa perfectly accompanied the official blessing of resources produced by the Bronchiectasis Foundation to support the understanding of this debilitating illness on Monday 4 March at Tohorā House in Whāngarei.
The Bronchiectasis Foundation of New Zealand was launched in 2015 by former Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae and supporters of Whāngarei woman Esther-Jordan Muriwai, who suffered the illness for most of her life.
The Foundation is a not for profit organisation dedicated to supporting those that live with Bronchiectasis and raising awareness in the community. The resources which are currently being translated into Maori, Samoan and Tongan, will be used to empower those affected by Bronchiectasis to assist in managing their condition with health information, healthy lifestyle changes and encourage inspiring relationships with their health services.
Fr Peter McDermott from St Francis Xavier officiated the blessing, alongside Arama Morunga who provided Mihi Whakatau welcoming those in attendance.
The Foundation is a not for profit organisation dedicated to supporting those that live with Bronchiectasis and raising awareness in the community. The resources which are currently being translated into Maori, Samoan and Tongan, will be used to empower those affected by Bronchiectasis to assist in managing their condition with health information, healthy lifestyle changes and encourage inspiring relationships with their health services.
Fr Peter McDermott from St Francis Xavier officiated the blessing, alongside Arama Morunga who provided Mihi Whakatau welcoming those in attendance.
Foundation Trustees and Advisory from Northland DHB & PHO respiratory services and children's’ teams and families of the Bronchiectasis community came to support the blessing and hear guest speakers, community paediatrician Dr Ailsa Tuck, Asthma & Respiratory Foundation New Zealand chief executive Letitia O’Dwyer and Bronchiectasis Chairperson Camron Muriwai.
Camron acknowledged his daughter Esther’s legacy and contribution to respiratory conditions in this country referring to her acceptance of her condition, understanding her mission in life and acting on it, saying, “One kind act having an everlasting effect – Love has brought us together today.”
He remarked that this is just the beginning of a project to drive the vision and need for more awareness and education of this challenging illness. He recognised the collaboration and open contribution of Northland and Auckland DHBs (Starship Hospital) and Asthma & Respiratory Foundation New Zealand in supporting the resource project.
The resources are now available for families in pre-schools, general practice clinics and NGO services to support the ongoing the work the Foundation undertakes.
Camron acknowledged his daughter Esther’s legacy and contribution to respiratory conditions in this country referring to her acceptance of her condition, understanding her mission in life and acting on it, saying, “One kind act having an everlasting effect – Love has brought us together today.”
He remarked that this is just the beginning of a project to drive the vision and need for more awareness and education of this challenging illness. He recognised the collaboration and open contribution of Northland and Auckland DHBs (Starship Hospital) and Asthma & Respiratory Foundation New Zealand in supporting the resource project.
The resources are now available for families in pre-schools, general practice clinics and NGO services to support the ongoing the work the Foundation undertakes.
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For further information: www.bronchiectasisfoundation.org.nz
Lisa Young
Bronchiectasis Parent Support Coordinator
Cell: 027 2777 672
Email: bronchiectasisnorthland@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NZBronchiectasisSupportPage/
Lisa Young
Bronchiectasis Parent Support Coordinator
Cell: 027 2777 672
Email: bronchiectasisnorthland@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NZBronchiectasisSupportPage/
