The Tae Kami Fund

October 2007

Fundraising Update

After over a year in remission and waiting for the extensive process in planning for the reconstruction of her face, we were informed in early October that the tumour (Inverted papilloma) is back and is now threatening her left eye and the bone in her upper face. After much reflection we have decided to continue treatment.

We continue to get inquiries on how do we help? We have only come this far because so many have taken part in Tae’s journey with their prayers and various ways of support. The messages, the cards, the kind thoughts… the faces that light up when they see Tae at airports or shopping and taken time to hug her and encourage her through their tears – you have done as much for our journey as any other.

We have also come this far because of the generous fundraising and gifts of many others. The medical team; Toa, Sione Latu, Lei Sa’afi in Tonga, John, Mark, Nick, Paul and so many in Auckland. Recently the reconstruction team of Ninian Peckitt and the crew of engineers and software experts who have provided new possibilities for treatment.

Finally all those who have generously given their support through special fund raisers businesses and organizations, kava clubs, churches, groups, families and just individuals who have stepped up – (you know who you are)

Our next steps for Tae:

November 2007 she will undergo another surgery to remove the still benign tumour. The bone around her left eye is to be removed to save her eye and replaced by a specially engineered titanium implant. Total costs for implant & hospital and post hospital management are estimated at approximately NZ$60,000
2008 Reconstruction – Cutting edge technology through Engineering Assisted Surgery has been involved in planning a “first in the world” extensive reconstruction of the damaged bone in the front of her face. Incredible efforts are being made by Ninian Peckitt and the team involved to cut costs (www.maxfac.com). We will be fundraising for the remaining work to be done once the tumour has been completely removed.

Contributions can be made to the following accounts:

General Support & Reserve Account

(covers non medical expenses – family, transport, living,

etc)

Name: Sina Kami, AC # 01 0210-0017441-50

ANZ Bank, Onehunga Branch, Auckland NZ.

SWIFT code: ANZ BNZ 22

Exclusively Tae's Medical Expenses

(maintained by ANZ Bank – New Zealand)

Tae Kami Medical Trust Fund

A/C #01 0210 0140714 - 50

ANZ Bank , Onehunga Branch, Auckland, NZ.

SWIFT code: ANZ BNZ 22

Note: This account is managed with 2 trustees from ANZ and 1 from family.

A Short History

In 2006 we were overwhelmed by the incredible costs involved in surgery and simply transferring the whole family for 8 months in Auckland. We calculate total costs from 2005-06 were well over $300,000 and all those bills have been paid.

It started with a bleeding nose in late 2004 which was later identified to be a benign but aggressive tumour (Inverted Papilloma) in the sinuses.

2005 – 5 operations to remove benign tumour from sinuses
2006 – February: Cancer confirmed major surgery to remove upper teeth, upperjaw up to orbits of eyes and parts of cheekbones with fibula bone from right leg used to reconstruct face.

Several surgeries / corrective procedures
May: 30 days of Radio therapy and multiple hospital visits
September: corrective surgery to remove dead bone

2006 – 2007 Multiple visits to New Zealand for check ups and reactive infections
Planning begins by Surgeon Ninian Pickett on reconstruction of Tae’s face.
2007 September: Face swells up with an infection – Inverted Papilloma is identified – surgery

For More Information email: Taholo@gmail.com or sinakami@gmail.com

Other Fundraising Information: A $1 For Tae