Goebel steps up to support Kidz First appeal
Little Liviela Ulunga couldn’t help showing off her dancing skills to Parris Goebel when she met the famous Kiwi choreographer yesterday.
Goebel visited the Kidz First Hospital in South Auckland to launch a Christmas campaign.
The choreographer, who has worked with pop superstars such as Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Janet Jackson and Jennifer Lopez, is an ambassador for the hospital, which is running a Christmas appeal to raise money for badly-needed medical equipment.
Liviela, 8, had been awake since 5am practising her dance routines to show to Goebel.
The youngster has been a regular patient at the hospital since she was born with a hole in her heart, causing circulatory problems in her legs.
“Visiting Kidz First Children’s Hospital is a big part of our lives, there are even people who remember bathing Liv when she was a baby,” Liviela’s mother Rebecca Wood said. “The staff are like family.”
Liviela works on her speech and movement with therapists, and sees pediatricians and her friends in the play room. “When Liv was born there was a bit of doom and gloom but I knew she would prove them all wrong,” Wood said.
Now at school, Liv, who also has autism, is doing well.
“So many people have helped us, and I believe you can show your gratitude by paying it forward,” Rebecca said. “We don’t have lots of money, but everyone can give something.”
Goebel, who performed a sellout show in Manukau the previous night, was impressed with Liviela’s dancing and later toured the wards speaking to sick children.