This gofundme is for my sister Sina and her family. She is a mama of 5 kids (3 boys and 2 girls) and just recently married her soulmate a year ago today. Her husband works 6 days a week and has taken on the role of being a father to her five kids. He tries to spend every minute with them all and doesn’t sleep until everyone, including my sister, has gone to bed.

To relieve pressure off of her husband financially, my sister has taken up Door dash. They thought that their current home was going to be theirs to enjoy for years to come! Unfortunately they are needing to vacate their rental property by February 2026 and with the busy season of Christmas and the new year almost here, it is near impossible for them to enjoy/join in on the celebrations! Sina is currently still trying to find a place to move into. And it will help her out so much to not have to worry about all the expenses that goes into the big move. Or having to sacrifice their belongings in hopes to save time, space and money. Knowing what my sister has endured in her past, it seems like she can’t catch a break! My sister is the most humble, self-sacrificing, loving person I have ever known! Even though she has been through so much, she still proves just how strong a mother can be for her children. But every mother needs some help in times of struggle. Which is why I want to support her family and ask our community for support too. As we all know, the cost of living has become harder and every family is struggling in their own way. But a little can go a long way. So whatever you are about to give, would be such a blessing for their family and they are so grateful.

What the money will cover:

THROUGH MY SISTER’S EYES

My story holds many trials and tribulations. But I wouldn’t change a single thing, as it has shaped the person and mother I am today. I know God has plans for us and it is by His grace that we have made it this far. His love has shown through everyone who has helped me since the beginning of motherhood and throughout.

When I was young, I was diagnosed with Rheumatic fever and had to take heart medications every day. I fell pregnant with my first born Wiremu when I was 15, and we basically grew up together. I became a single mother when Wiremu was 2 and Malachi, my second son was 1. I had to grow up really fast. It wasn’t the easiest, but I’m thankful for my family who helped me during this time of need. Seven years later, I rekindled with their father and after many years of being on-and-off, attempts to repair or make up for lost time, I decided to do motherhood all by myself with our five kids.

After a dog bite in July 2022, I spent many weeks in bed because I was too sick to do anything. I couldn’t look after my kids, cook dinners or even look after myself. The guilt of not being able to mother my kids, besides the physical pain I was in, was probably the worst feeling ever. Not being able to care for my kids properly meant that Wiremu had to take on responsibilities that no child should have to. He had to do everything and help with my 3 younger kids. He had a lot of pressure on him. And ultimately, this put a strain on our relationship at the time and we’re still trying to make amends for this. So I decided to move my family into my eldest sister’s house for help. After many months of researching my symptoms and Doctors misdiagnosing me, I called my parents on the verge of giving up. I couldn’t breathe. That’s when my Dad said “enough is enough, it’s been too long now” and told me to call the Ambulance. (Luckily my sister did, as the Doctors at the hospital said, if it had been any longer, I wouldn’t be alive today).

On 14th October 2022, I was admitted and diagnosed with a fever, pneumonia, and heart endocarditis. Unfortunately one of my heart valves were severely damaged, and the Doctors gave me the hard news of having open heart surgery to replace the valve. There was nothing that any of my family members could do to protect me from what I was about to go through. After the surgery, I had to stay in hospital for at least 2 weeks and be on bed rest for 6. I had to adjust to life and adapt to the new reality of having a mechanical valve and being on blood thinners everyday.

Nine months after my surgery, I was thrusted into homelessness with my 5 kids. Having to go from motel to motel every week. Women’s refuge. Hotel to hotel. My kids weren’t able to go to school because of the distances we traveled. Sometimes travelling 45mins to an hour from suburb to suburb. We were basically living out of our car! It was the hardest time for us all. But I tried my best to stay as positive as possible and to remain strong for my kids sakes! This was the time I connected with my, now, husband. Two months later, my kids and I finally moved into a transition house. It wasn’t permanent. But it was home for us, while it lasted.

Me and my husband found out on our first Antenatal appointment that we had a miscarriage. During checkups, we found out I had IGA kidney disease and was admitted the next day for 2 weeks. I was put on four additional medications everyday and restrictions. I did everything I could to stay positive and be strong for my kids whenever they came to visit me.

My husband & I had only been together for 4 months when I was in hospital. He took care of my kids by himself for 2 weeks while I was recovering.

After a year of being together, we finally got married on 23rd November 2024. Things were finally looking up for us!

January this year, we moved into our current home and was so over the moon, as we had a place we could finally settle into. My husband and I decided to try again for another baby but under the guidance of a specialist. I had to get my body back into order. Making sure my kidneys and my iron were in check. Appointment after appointment, we were almost there.

This year was meant to be ours. To recover from the many years of stress, anxiety, pain and struggles. It was the year of making amends. For our time of growth. Of settling down. It was going to be our first Christmas as a family in our first family home together. Maybe next year.