Zeb is a happy, smiley little boy who brings joy wherever he goes.
“He’s so content,” his mum says. “He loves music, he loves to boogie, and he’s so funny.”
At 22 months old, Zeb is the youngest of two. His big brother Mikhah, who’s three, is already stepping into his role with pride. “He’s the best big brother.”
Zeb’s whaanau found out he had Down Syndrome during pregnancy. While that gave them time to begin processing, nothing could fully prepare them for what came next.
“When Zeb was born at Middlemore, he went straight to NICU. His oxygen levels were low, so we were quickly thrust into the world of medical monitoring.”
Zeb has already faced several health challenges early in life, including two holes in his heart, bilateral hearing loss, and low muscle tone (hypotonia), which is common for children with Down Syndrome. He continues to receive support for his development through a range of Kidz First services.
“We often go to Manukau SuperClinic and see ENT specialists, a speech therapist, a neurodevelopmental therapist, and an ophthalmologist. We’ve just started going to a speech playgroup too.”
That playgroup has become more than just therapy.
“It’s really nice being around other parents who know what you’re going through. They might not have the same diagnosis, but they’re on a similar path. It’s nice to relate. And the staff are amazing—so lovely, supportive, and accepting.”
Despite everything he’s faced, Zeb’s mum says “You wouldn’t know all the challenges he’s had. He just brings so much joy.”
For Zeb’s whaanau, winter brings extra worry.
“When he was a newborn, his temperature was consistently low. Even in the hospital, the staff were constantly checking it because he runs cold, even with all the extra blankets.”
At home in Pukekohe, staying warm isn’t always easy.
“Our house doesn’t have insulation, and we don’t have curtains yet. We’ve been planning since the start of the year, trying to do what we can to keep it warm.”
That’s why support through Jammies for June has meant so much.
“I still remember the first time someone from Jammies for June came to us in the ward during a stay at Kidz First. It might seem like a small thing, but it was really special. Being able to pick out jammies for Mikhah and Zeb made my day. It was so fun and the boys were so happy”
For families like theirs, it’s more than just warm clothing.
“Keeping Zeb warm and comfortable is a big deal, especially when you have a baby who’s more vulnerable. The added support of jammies just lifts that off our shoulders.”
Zeb’s mum says the support they’ve received, both from Kidz First and the wider community, has made a real difference.
“We’re just so grateful. It really does have a big impact.”
This winter, more families like Zeb’s will walk through the doors of Kidz First—worried about their child’s health and how they’ll keep them warm.
A simple pair of pyjamas can mean comfort, warmth, and one less thing to worry about.
Donate today and help make sure every child, like Zeb, has something warm to go home in.
