The Aotea College sports community is sending aroha and support to young rugby player Ashen Phaipanya and his whānau as he remains in ICU in Bali.
Ashen, 16, became seriously ill with meningitis while on a family holiday in Bali. A Givealittle page set up for the family says he has been intubated in ICU, with his parents Sheena and Ants staying by his side.
The trip was meant to be a special whānau holiday for Sheena’s 40th birthday, but the family is now facing what supporters have described as “every parent’s worst nightmare”.
Aotea College Sport said the whole sports community was thinking of Ashen and his family.
“Aotea College Sport is sending our love, strength, and best wishes to Ashen and his family during this incredibly difficult time,” the group said.
The Givealittle page says the family has travel insurance, but it will only cover one parent to stay in Bali with Ashen. Supporters are raising funds to help both parents remain with him and to reduce the financial burden on the family.
Funds will go towards travel-related and living costs in Bali, as well as support for the family’s other children in New Zealand.
In an update posted on 24 June, Ants and Sheena said doctors had stopped Ashen’s sedatives and attempted to wake him. They said Ashen had shown some positive signs, including awareness of what was happening around him, and was being allowed to rest.
“Ashen is continuing to show positive signs,” the update said.
The fundraising page was created by Jordyne Lyons, a friend and colleague of Sheena, on behalf of Sheena’s work family.
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/support-for-ashen-in-icu-in-bali