Aunt’s gift inspires

There’s surely not much better than a Kiwi Christmas holiday. It’s a time to spend priceless time with friends and loved ones, soak up the great outdoors and create precious memories for years to come. It is also the season of giving. When it comes to special gifts of 2018, few could be as significant as the gift of life Australian-based Kiwi Mina Steedman-Prip gave her 4-week-old niece, P¯ıp¯ıwharauroa (Pipi) Wallace in January.

It was the gift of life.

The 24-year-old made a mercy dash to New Zealand in January to provide part of her liver to a life-saving transplant for wee Pipi.

Tomorrow, Pipi’s family will celebrate her first birthday at a special gathering in Tokoroa, and Mina will fly in for the event.

Talking in today’s Herald on Sunday, the loving aunt says of the transplant: “There was never any hesitation for me not to do it. It was great I was able to help her and give her a chance at life and now we are here to celebrate her first birthday which is so exciting. This whole year we were never promised that this could happen so that’s a miracle in itself.”

Mina’s gift has provided a beacon of hope during a news year where headlines have featured less savoury moments: what then Labour cabinet minister Meka Whaitiri did or didn’t do to a staff member, Donald Trump’s Twitter rants, Jami-Lee Ross’ conduct, the Karel Sroubek fiasco and terrorist attacks around the globe.

When Mina found out how ill Pipi was, she contacted Starship hospital and asked to be tested to see if she could be a matching donor for her niece.

“She has been through so many obstacles,” she said of Pipi. “I have learned a lot from her strength and courage.”

As we prepare for Christmas, Mina’s selfless and life-saving actions are a timely reminder that most Kiwis are good people and that is something we should be proud of.

Wherever you are holding your festivities, be safe – especially when travelling on our roads and playing at our beaches. Both will be busy as we make the most of summer breaks.

From the Herald on Sunday to you: Merry Christmas.