From hope to action: A community rallies for life-changing surgery
- Phoenix Manley-Green
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Following the story originally brought to you by Taiuru News, there is a promising new chapter in the journey of Taranaki rangatahi, Jesse Hereora.
Jesse is now preparing for a life-altering medical procedure, and the momentum has shifted significantly. Driven by the critical need for specialised care overseas, his whānau and neighbours have been working tirelessly to bridge the financial gap, and their collective efforts are finally yielding positive results. As the community rallies behind this young man, a path toward his life-changing surgery is becoming clearer than ever.
"Our dream is simple - we just want Jesse to be able to eat again without needing strong painkillers. I honestly can't wait for the day he eats me out of house and home," Jesse’s mother Jacqueline Chapman said.
"One thing I didn't allow for when I worked out the costs was the exchange rate. Unfortunately, it's left us a bit shorter than we'd planned, which has definitely added some extra pressure," Jacqueline said.
"The surgery Jesse needs is a major operation. The surgeon will be operating on his aorta, and part of it will need to be repaired using a bovine patch (cow tissue), so we've been joking that he'll come home with a little bit of Aussie in him," she said.
The journey recently took Jesse and his whānau to Canberra, Australia, for a vital consultation with Professor Dr Gert Frahm-Jensen.
The results were positive, and a date has officially been set for the procedure: 28 August. However, the nature of the surgery is daunting for any family to face.
Since returning from the initial consultation, the family has been in a whirlwind of activity. From sausage sizzles and home baking sales to raffles, the effort to fund the surgery has become a true community affair.
A major highlight is the upcoming Jingo Night on 25 July at the TET Stadium in Stratford. These efforts are not just about reaching a target; they are about overcoming unexpected hurdles.
Beyond the surgery, the family looks toward a future where Jesse can reclaim his passions. He is eager to get back to fishing, gaining work experience, and eventually securing full-time employment.
For now, the focus remains on the recovery period in Canberra, where they will stay for three weeks post-operation for close monitoring before being allowed to fly back to New Zealand.
As the community continues to show up at the Crazy Pumpkin Market and local events, the gratitude from Jesse’s family is immense. "Finally, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every single person who has donated, shared our story, bought a raffle ticket, attended a fundraiser, volunteered their time, or simply checked in on us. Whether your support has been big or small, every act of kindness has helped us get one step closer to giving Jesse the chance he deserves."
To support Jesse's Journey, you can follow their progress on Facebook or contribute through their Urgent: Help Jesse get life-saving surgery for Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome - Givealittle page.
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