Clydevale couple Nick Ward and partner Ange Graham, have two daughters, Paige (3) and Tayla (18 months), and are expecting a third child.
On December 18, Paige was found unconscious due to a hypoglycaemic episode (extremely low blood sugar) and the Wards were flown to Dunedin Hospital in the Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter.
''Paige was discharged three days later with no idea what was around the corner. We had a wonderful time away over Christmas in Queenstown, feeding the ducks, having picnics, paddling and spending time with family,'' Ange Graham said.
However, on the family's first morning home, Paige was rushed back to hospital with what they thought was another hypoglycaemic episode, but that was just the beginning.
Paige spent 13 days in Dunedin Hospital before being transferred to Christchurch, where she spent another seven days before being flown to Starship Hospital in Auckland.
On January 22, the Wards were told the news that Paige was in acute liver failure and had been placed on the organ transplant list. The family received a second blow when they discovered Nick was not compatible to be a donor and Ange was, but could not donate as she was pregnant.
''We were lucky enough to have our two wonderful families come forward ... to see if they could potentially be a match. Nick's brother, Gareth, was and spent the next day going through numerous tests to make sure that all was OK to donate.''
Meanwhile, Paige was transferred to the intensive care unit where the family spent a nerve-racking 24 hours to see if a liver had become available. Late the next day, Gareth was given the all clear.
Since the transplant, the family had faced many ''ups and downs'' and nearly lost Paige, Ange said.
''Paige has handled it like such a trooper. She's so brave.''
Nick and Ange are staying with Paige at Starship Hospital and Ronald McDonald House in Auckland, while their younger daughter Tayla is staying with grandparents in the Waikato.
Mr Ward had to give up his job on a Clydevale dairy farm to be with Paige and Ange.
''It's also been tough for Nick's parents. They own a cafe and Gareth works there too, so they've been short-staffed while Gareth is recovering,'' Ange said.
Since then, various community groups and individuals had been fundraising for the family and sending care parcels.
Yesterday, The Warehouse staff held a sausage sizzle for the cause, staff donating their spare time and money to ensure all cash raised went to Paige and her family.
The Warehouse Balclutha manager, Kirsty Elstone, said staff wanted to help and the store had sent toys and baby gear as well.
The parents maintaining a positive mindset and hoped to return to Clydevale.
''There's been so many generous people helping us out. They're such lovely people.''
People can contribute to Paige's Journey Fund: BNZ account 02-0918-0028250-067
