Kia ora Whānau and friends, we reaching out, Steve Heremia (Paua) and —Whānau a much-loved husband, dad, brother, and friend — who is currently in a critical condition in ICU.

We’re reaching out with heavy hearts as our beloved husband, dad, brother, and friend — Steve Heremia (Paua) — is now entering his fourth week in ICU & fifth week of fighting hard.

Everything changed so quickly. One moment, Steve was healthy and active — running around, full of life — and just days later, he was rushed to hospital. What began as a suspected case of meningitis on September 21st quickly became much more serious.

At first, Steve was treated for viral encephalitis. But things rapidly worsened, and by September 24th, he was placed into an induced coma and put on a ventilator in the ICU on the Sunshine Coast.

A second MRI revealed inflammation around his spinal cord, brain, and brain stem, leading doctors to suspect lymphoma of the central nervous system. On October 6th, Steve was airlifted by LifeFlight to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where he underwent a brain biopsy on October 8th. Which test results showed a rare bacteria — melioidosis — but the family is holding hope it’s a false positive. In the meantime, doctors have begun treatment as a precaution while they continue to investigate.

Essentially we are still chasing shadows & he remains in a coma, induced or otherwise...

This has had a huge impact on his loving wife Kim, and his two precious children, Tori (11) and Carlin (10), along with his sisters who have flown in, extended family, and close friends. They’ve watched their strong, energetic dad and husband, go from full of life to fighting for survival — and now, more than ever, they need our support.

We know Steve is a fighter. We believe he will come through this. But the road ahead is long and uncertain — and his whānau needs help to stay by his side.

How You Can Help -

We are asking for any support you can give to help Steve’s family with:

Travel and accommodation costs, so they can remain in Brisbane and be close to him

Medical costs, especially if rare or specialist treatments are needed

Everyday living expenses, while the family focuses on Steve’s care and recovery

Every donation — big or small — helps ease the burden and brings his family closer to what they need most: healing, hope, and the strength to keep going.

If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this page. It means more than you know.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this incredibly difficult time.

Arohanui,

On behave of,

Kim, Tori, Carlin & the Heremia Whānau