Teen lung disease sufferer breathes easier

after donation

(Source Bay of Plenty Times)
Carly Udy | 20th July 2010

A kind-hearted gesture from Bay of Plenty's HRV Franchise means a Katikati teenager is breathing easier this winter.

Sixteen-year-old Hollee Fisher, who suffers from a rare lung disease, has been donated an HRV system from Bay of Plenty HRV.

The healthy home ventilation specialist donated the system to the Hollee's family to help relieve the effects of her lung condition, which limits her lung's operating capacity to 30 per cent.

Hollee was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease and associated underlying connective tissue disorder in 2007, a rare condition which severely limits her lung function and impacts on her daily activities.

Her mum, Sue Fotheringhame, said while Hollee was able to enjoy her love of horse riding, she got tired easily and was not able to play any other sport.

She only attends Katikati College part-time, and has to visit Starship Hospital in Auckland every month for treatment.

The HRV system is "fantastic", as Hollee is prone to colds and pneumonia in the winter, she said.

"Their generosity was overwhelming. We'd looked at ways to create a healthier home for Hollee, but ongoing medical expenses have meant a ventilation system has been an unaffordable luxury," she said.

"Hollee's condition means we need a more consistent heat than regular heaters can provide, particularly during winter."

HRV has installed a second filter in Hollee's bedroom.

George Savill, director of HRV Bay of Plenty, said he was first notified of Hollee and her condition by one of their customers, Barbara Hope, a long-time friend of the family.

"Sue, her husband Peter and Hollee's siblings Matthew, 14, and Grace, 6, have had a tough time of it and we were thrilled to help. "