Liv's Wish to walk now a reality

Gisborne couple Carnie Nelson and Ivan Paterson were over the moon when they found out their granddaughter Liv Fountain had been accepted for life changing surgery in the United States.

Liv has spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects the nerves in her legs, meaning she is unable to walk or stand independently.

The surgery, which is not offered in New Zealand, will improve Liv’s posture and enable her to stand and walk on her own, which is very exciting for a little girl who loves horseriding, swimming and cooking. 

Now that she has been accepted for surgery Liv’s family are working hard to fundraise the $120,000 needed to get her to Missouri for surgery, in May.

Originally Liv’s operation was scheduled for October, but was recently bought forward to May.  Carnie says that “even though it’s great that Liv’s journey towards walking independently will start earlier, it does mean that our fundraising efforts have gone into overdrive.”

Carnie and Ivan have been overwhelmed by the support that the Gisborne community has shown Liv.  “So far we’ve raised $34,200 through generous people giving donations and some awesome fundraising events”, she says.

Some of those events have included a CrossFit4010 12-hour challenge, Gizzy Garage Sale and Pilates in the Park.  Carnie and Ivan are now organising a charity auction on Friday, 7^th April at the Waikanae Surf Club, with guest MC Amanda Gillies.   

Carnie says that “if people would like to donate items for the auction or buy tickets they can get in touch through the Liv’s Wish Facebook page or by calling her at Coates Associates". 

A Give A Little page called Liv’s Wish has been set up, but donations can also be made through The Sunrise Foundation, with the added bonus that any donation made through Sunrise (a registered charity) qualifies for a tax rebate.

Due to the generosity of sponsors JN Williams Trust, Eastland Community Trust and Clark Charitable Trust, Sunrise doesn’t have administration fees, so all money donated through Sunrise will go directly to help Liv get her surgery.

Click here to read more about Liv's Wish.