Dame Valerie meets Aro'A and her family

Three genertions of Rarotongan women who surround Aro'A with love.

Meet the utterly gorgeous Aro’A, who turned three last week. Aro’A has Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, affecting all four of her limbs. She can’t yet sit or stand on her own, but her smile lights up every room she’s in. Her mum Mataina, with little family support in New Zealand, relies heavily on the Kidz First team, which has been a lifeline through the challenges of daily therapy and medical appointments.

“When Aro’A was diagnosed, I didn’t know what to do,” says Mataina. “I had to Google cerebral palsy. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for this life; all the therapy and medical appointments but the Kidz First team became my biggest support network.”

Aro’A’s weeks are filled with physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech sessions, and the playgroups run by Kidz First are a lifeline for both mother and daughter; a chance to make friends, connect with other families, and simply enjoy being together.

This year, Aro’A and her whānau will attend their first Kidz First Christmas Party, made even more special by a visit from Dame Valerie Adams, who instantly fell in love with the little girl’s energy and determination.

“The Kidz First team tells me that the first five years are so important for children like

Aro’A,” says Dame Valerie. “Every bit of therapy, every piece of equipment, every

moment of care helps her build new brain pathways and live life to the fullest. That’s

why supporting Kidz First matters so much.”

Your donation this Christmas will help make the season magical for Aro’A and other

children with long term health conditions, and will support Kidz First to continue providing vital care, Home Safe Ketes, and physiotherapy aids all year round.