Bradley’s unexpected saviour arrived just in time.
As far as impromptu gestures go, it was pretty huge. Close families exchange gifts, but Sandra Whipp cannot even begin to think how to repay her sister-in-law Christine for saving her son Bradley’s life by donating a kidney.
“It’s just so humbling to think someone would do that for you, especially when they have their own children,” says Sandra. “She literally gave us another chance to be a proper family again.”
Sandra and her husband Brendon – Christine’s brother – are resilient, and have faced more life-changing news than most. They didn’t know Bradley, their first child, had Down syndrome when he was born.
“We had a couple of hours of normality, then we felt like our world had crumbled,” says the 51-year-old Dunedin teacher.
At the age of seven, Bradley was also diagnosed with Coeliac disease.
“Again, we thought, ‘Okay, it is what it is, what can we do to make this life better?’”
When, at age 12, Bradley started losing his appetite and wasn’t even interested in ice cream, his parents sought medical advice. Tests brought up no concerns but Bradley’s weight plummeted, so back to the doctor they went.
This story is from the 21 May 2018 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 21 May 2018 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK