Let’s make a little girl's wish come true
Waihi mum Kristen Waite and her three-year-old daughter Ocean Stephen are ready for the Enchanted Fairytale Charity ball coming up in Katikati.
An Enchanted Fairytale Charity ball is one more step towards Ocean’s dream of walking coming true.
It is a race against the clock for mother Kristen Waite who is hoping to get funds for her daughter’s surgery.
Three-year-old Ocean Stephen of Waihi is affected by cerebral palsy, a condition which impairs her legs’ mobility due to brain damage.
The surgery is planned for July 31 and Kristen needs to raise $150,000 for surgery and post surgery treatment in both the United States and New Zealand.
At this stage, $60,0000 was raised but Kristen says there is still a long way to go.
“If we do not manage to raise the full amount before we leave for Ocean’s surgery then we will have to fundraise afterwards,” she says.
For her surgery which includes a three-week compulsory therapy, Ocean’s mum needs to raise another $30,000 before the deadline on June 15.
“This date is when the full amount for the surgery with the therapy needs to be paid by.
“She [Ocean] does not have any option not to get the surgery as her right leg has started to deteriorate, it rotates more and more inwards meaning it is affecting her hips, and I want to avoid further damage. Not having the amount in time means another 10 months on the waiting list for her chance to get the surgery,” she says.
The rest of the amount is needed for her recovery therapy in New Zealand for the next two years.
Over the past few months, several fundraising events have taken place in Waihi and the pair have been supported by the local community.
Individuals, a support team known as The Ocean Project, schools and preschools and businesses got behind the cause.
An Enchanted Fairytale Charity ball is planned on Saturday, June 2 at Katikati’s Fairview Golf and Country Club.
The R18 event will present special guest band, The Monroes playing live and a series of prizes and auctions throughout the night.
“It is not a Disney-themed fairytale ball but it’s adult version which can include ball gown dress up. Fancy dresses are open to interpretation and there will be a prize for the best dressed,” she says.
Kristen says that Ocean will be there
at the start of the evening too.
“More surprises are to come but we are still fine-tuning the details,” she says.
Auctions will include a dinner and night package in Piha, several half hour scenic flights from Waihi Beach pilot Dave Evans, and some artwork from a Raglan artist.
“And more are to come,” she says. At the time of writing, Kristen was hoping to secure a shuttle for the ballgoers to and from the venue.
Drinks will be available to purchase on site and canapes will be served for the guests.
Four corporate tables are available to book and ticket number are limited.
■ Not available for the ball? This is how you can help.
Come to the next fundraising concert event at Waihi College tomorrow (Friday, May 25).
Waihi and Katikati college students teamed up to help Ocean fundraise for her surgery.
Starting at 5.30pm, the night will include a two-hour concert, games, karaoke and kapa haka. Entry is a gold coin donation.