Growing Need, Lasting Impact

Former Sunrise Foundation trustee Lilian Tangaere-Baldwin knows firsthand how vital dialysis support is for whānau in our region. 

“At the moment, my eldest brother Ben is reliant on dialysis, provided his body continues to respond to the treatment. When this is no longer possible, our focus will gently shift to keeping him comfortable, surrounded by the love of our whānau and close friends, the laughter of his moko, and the continued warmth and care of his wife and children,” Lilian shares. 

Sadly, this is a journey far too many families in Tairāwhiti are familiar with. Māori and Pasifika communities are significantly more likely to experience kidney failure and require dialysis, often because of high rates of diabetes in our region.

The Dialysis Endowment Fund with Sunrise was created to provide vital support that extends beyond what the DHB can offer, funding additional equipment and services that improve the comfort and care of dialysis patients. 

“Being a regular donor to Sunrise’s Dialysis Fund is one way that my whānau and I can contribute to that change — helping to improve access to dialysis and wraparound support services for those who need them most,” says Lilian. “It’s a meaningful way for us to support my brother and the wellbeing of others in Tairāwhiti.” 

"My husband and I have also chosen to support the Dialysis Endowment Fund by including it in our will, leaving a legacy that will help whānau for generations to come. Legacy giving is a powerful way for families to make a lasting difference, and an option that others might consider as they think about supporting this vital cause."

To learn more about the Dialysis fund, or to actively support it with a donation, click here.