Porirua teenager Ashen Phaipanya has woken from an induced coma in Bali, giving his family and supporters a major sign of hope as he continues to fight meningitis.
The 16-year-old remains critically ill in ICU, but a new photo shows him smiling from his hospital bed with his parents, Sheena and Ants, beside him.
An update on the family’s Givealittle page said Ashen was now awake and responsive.
“ASHEN IS AWAKE,” the update said.
“It’s still very early days, and he remains critical in the ICU, but the fact that he’s responsive is incredible.
“Ashen and his whānau still have a way to go, but this is a huge step towards getting him back home to New Zealand.”
The update said the family had seen videos of Ashen smiling, nodding and talking.
Ashen became seriously ill with bacterial meningitis while on a family holiday in Bali for his mum Sheena’s 40th birthday.
What was meant to be a special whānau holiday has turned into a medical emergency, with Ashen receiving intensive care overseas.
The Givealittle page says Ashen was intubated in ICU with meningitis, and that his parents have remained by his side.
Support has grown quickly across Porirua and the Aotea community since the fundraiser was launched to help the family with costs while Ashen is in hospital.
The page says the family has travel insurance, but it will only cover one parent to stay in Bali with Ashen.
Funds raised will help cover travel-related and living costs, allow both Sheena and Ants to remain in Bali, reduce the financial burden on the family, and support their other children in New Zealand.
By Friday, the Givealittle page had raised more than $19,000 from nearly 400 donors.
The fundraiser was created by Jordyne Lyons, a friend and colleague of Sheena, on behalf of Sheena’s work family.
Ashen’s supporters say there is still a long road ahead, but waking from the induced coma is a huge step in his recovery.
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/support-for-ashen-in-icu-in-bali