Lion-Pillay Family - Palmerston North
Kayden and Kaitlynne hail all the way from South Africa, but moved to Palmerston North just before Covid hit back in 2019. Kayden received a work opportunity, so the couple packed up their lives and moved halfway across the world.
Kaitlynne says, “we started trying for a baby not long after we arrived in New Zealand. After two years of trying, we realised something must be wrong, and that’s when we found out we could only conceive via IVF.” The couple embarked on one round of IVF and fell pregnant with their third embryo. “I was over the moon; I was so happy that I was finally pregnant that I burst into tears,” says Kaitlynne, “however, I was also super scared and worried throughout my pregnancy. It was far from easy.”
At 14 weeks pregnant, Kaitlynne was rushed to the ER due to a haematoma; at her 18 week scan they discovered a hernia on the baby; at 20 weeks, Kaitlynne had an amniocentesis performed – thankfully, everything was looking positive. However, at just 23 weeks pregnant, Kaitlynne’s waters suddenly broke. “We were so scared,” explains Kaitlynne, “I was rushed to hospital in Wellington to be monitored. Our little warrior stayed put in my belly for another two weeks and six days though.”
On the 10th March 2023, at 26 weeks' gestation, Kendrick was born weighing just 820 grams. On his first day earthside, Kendrick needed surgery – it turns out the hernia that had shown up on the 18-week scan was actually an omphalocele (when part of the intestine grows on the outside of the body, due to a hole in the abdomen). He also needed three other surgeries during his time in the hospital – stomas, stoma reversal, hernia and laser eye surgery. “As Kendrick grew, doctors noticed his tongue was slightly enlarged and he had dents behind his ears,” Kaitlynne explains, “they did some genetic testing and diagnosed him with Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome – a rare genetic disorder that effects growth.”
Kendrick spent a total of 103 days in the Wellington NICU gaining strength and recovering from his surgeries. During this time, Kayden moved into a room at Ronald McDonald House just down the road from the hospital. “Before we realised we could stay at RMHC, Kayden was sleeping in his car,” says Kaitlynne, “not having to worry about how we would live and having a warm, comfortable bed was such a blessing.” 
Kaitlynne was blown away by the staff and volunteers at RMHC NZ, saying “those first few months of Kendrick’s life were really challenging. The team at RMHC did so much for us and they wrapped our family in a safe and secure place. The support and care that RMHC provides families is inspiring. Everything they do is just so incredibly generous. We’re grateful for every person who supports this organisation.”
Kendrick went on to spend another 40 days in Hastings SCIBU and is now a thriving 19-month-old. “He’s a curious little boy with tonnes of energy!” Kaitlynne laughs, “he brings so much joy to us, we’re so grateful for all the kind people we’ve crossed paths with at RMHC.”
The new family spent their first few days of the festive season at Wellington Ronald McDonald House. “We’d usually be spending our summer days leading up to Christmas at home or on holidays,” says Kaitlynne, “having the support and care of RMHC during the holidays made up for being away though. Everything they do – the little gifts, the meals cooked for us, makes that time of year really special. Thank you.”
The Lion-Pillay family feature as part of our end of year appeal, Season for Giving. We aim to cover the cost of all families staying at our facilities across New Zealand this Christmas. If you're in a position to help, please donate here.
