- to provide financial support for patients in New Zealand
who require hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
- to arrange medical treatment including but not limited to
hyperbaric oxygen treatment for patients.
As with all medical treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is expensive, and in New Zealand there are many proven applications of it that do not qualify for public health funding. This was the situation in Wayne Reynolds' case. His HBOT for an intra-cranial fungal abscess was paid for by the fundraising efforts of Westlake Boys and Westlake Girls High Schools, as well as other private donations.
The Trust has been formed so patients with conditions known to respond to hyperbaric oxygen can receive treatment, even when the public health system, for whatever reason, declines to support it. Each application received will be reviewed by an independent medical panel. On the basis of their recommendation, patients who cannot afford the cost of treatment may receive financial assistance.
This site includes the sad but amazing story of Wayne Reynolds, who contracted 2 deadly diseases - leukaemia and mucormycosis (a fungal infection). Unfortunately, after 18 months of severely compromised chemotherapy, the leukaemia claimed Wayne's life. However, had it not been for the hyperbaric treatment he received for the mucormycosis, it is likely that he would not have lived for more than a few weeks after contracting the diseases. Wayne used that extra time wisely and well. He returned to his school - Westlake Boys High and addressed the entire school at a special assembly. On Christmas Day 2004, he addressed the congregation at his church - Northcote Baptist. No-one who heard Wayne speak will ever forget the frail yet bold young man before them whose attitude and example portrayed courage beyond belief. The memorial plaque at Westlake's main entrance bears witness to the incredible impact that Wayne had on his school and others who came in contact with him.
Listen to Wayne's Christmas day speech
We hope that Wayne's story and the others included in this site
will encourage you to support this cause. Enjoy your visit.