Curtis Family - Greymouth

Nikita and Jethro of Greymouth are parents to two young children: Scarlett, aged two and a half, and Theodore, five months old, though he’s almost always called Teddy. Like many families with little ones, their days are full, busy, and centred around their children. Recently, their routine was disrupted in a way they hadn’t expected. 

Scarlett became unwell and deteriorated quickly over the course of a single day. By that evening, she was struggling to breathe, and Nikita and Jethro made the decision to take her to the emergency department at Greymouth Hospital. “She went downhill so quickly,” Nikita explains, “it was absolutely terrifying seeing her struggle to breathe.”

At the hospital, Scarlett was diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia. While the team at Greymouth provided immediate care, it became clear she needed access to more specialised resources. A decision was made to transfer her to Christchurch Hospital by air, with Jethro accompanying her. “We were told that the antibiotics might work, or they might not,” Nikita explained. “It depended on the underlying cause, which was really hard to hear.” 

While Scarlett and Jethro were flown to Christchurch, Nikita stayed behind briefly to organise what they needed before making the journey herself with Teddy. “I packed up the car and drove the three and a half hours with Teddy to join them,” she said. “I just needed to get there.” When they were reunited, Scarlett was receiving oxygen support to help her breathing and had two IV lines in place - one for fluids and one for antibiotics. Her condition required close monitoring, with observations every 15 minutes for the first six hours, before moving to hourly checks and then four-hourly. “It was a lot,” Nikita said. “You’re constantly watching and waiting.” 

During their time in Christchurch, the family stayed at Ronald McDonald House, an organisation that had already supported them once before, during a previous hospital stay related to pregnancy complications. This second stay reinforced just how important that support was. “The love and support they offer is next to none,” Nikita said. “They are literally like a second family.” 

For Nikita and Jethro, having somewhere to stay close to the hospital meant they could remain together as a family while Scarlett received treatment. With a baby as well, the practical and emotional support made a significant difference. “They go out of their way to help and make the children feel comfortable and happy,” Nikita said. “They are incredibly accommodating and compassionate.”  

Beyond accommodation, it was the consistency of care and understanding that stood out to the family. “The care and support they give knows no limitations,” she said, “we cannot recommend or commend them highly enough.” Nikita is clear about what that support meant during a difficult and uncertain time. “If Ronald McDonald House didn’t exist, I honestly don’t know what we would have done,” she said, “there would have been no way to keep our family together through such an important time.”

For their family, being able to stay close, support one another, and focus on Scarlett’s recovery made all the difference.