The 12th annual Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal for Otago was launched at Dunedin Hospital this week.
Thousands of Kiwi children visit hospital wards each year, and this year's appeal aims once again to raise more than $1.3 million to help those in need.
Five-year-old Teiana Kerena-Williams is one of the many children the appeal will help, by raising money for much-needed medical equipment, including in Dunedin Hospital's Rotary Children's Ward.
Teiana was born at 24 weeks' gestation and spent the first eight months of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit at Dunedin Hospital, before being transferred to the Rotary Children's Ward for ongoing care.
Teiana has many medical conditions, including hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and developmental delays.
Despite these challenges she is a real character.
She's a very cheeky and bubbly little girl, who loves being the centre of attention, and doesn't like to miss out on anything.
Teiana is one of six girls - she is a triplet along with sisters Anya and Renata and has three older sisters, who are all very protective of her.
Teiana is a regular patient in the children's ward at Dunedin Hospital, her visits lasting from one night to several months.
Her mother, Tash Kerena-Williams, is grateful for the support of the appeal.
"Having the extra items that the Countdown appeal has enabled the hospital to purchase really helps to make Teiana's stay easier and more comfortable,'' she said.
"The ward feels like being at home and this really makes a difference to all of us as a family, as we spend so much time there.''
Children's ward charge nurse manager Shirley Bell says the service is delighted the hospital has once again been chosen to benefit from the appeal.
"The money raised makes a real difference - we've been able to purchase items for the ward to help improve children and their families stay and make it as comfortable as possible.
"It's also enabled us to have additional up-to-date equipment on the ward, which also really helps recovery.''
This year's appeal will run until October 28, and people can donate in several ways.
- Staff reporter
