Theresa loved life. And she was deeply loved. When Theresa (Tess) passed away in 2024, her family wanted to do something to honour her life. They wanted to make a difference that mattered to Theresa, so they chose to help other people.
Tess (left) with twin sister, Angela.
Tess's relationship with Auckland City Hospital began in 1997 when she was diagnosed with Alport syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that can cause kidney failure and loss of hearing. Analysis of Tess and her six siblings revealed maternally inherited mitochondrial disease, which damages the body's organs. While some of her siblings were unaffected, for Tess and her twin sister Angela, a progressive decline in kidney function resulted in them both being put on the transplant list.
Tess with her oldest brother and live donor, Graham.
Tess received a kidney transplant in 2002 at Auckland City Hospital, at the age of 37; her oldest brother Graham was her live donor.
While Tess was in-and-out of hospital for six months post-transplant, the surgery was a success and gave her a wonderful quality of life working as a Company Law Analyst and enjoying long-distance walking and travelling with husband Michael.
They adopted their son Alex from Russia in 2006 when he was two years old, and the family enjoyed a life full of adventures, trips abroad, and unwavering love.
It was in 2018, while holidaying in Thailand, that Tess started struggling with laboured breathing. After a GP referral to Auckland City Hospital, Tess was diagnosed with heart failure. Fortunately, with the right care and medication, Tess regained her quality of life and continued doing the things she loved.
Then, in February 2024, Tess was admitted to Auckland City Hospital with an infection. She was admitted seven more times over the next six months, coming through the Emergency Department into the Renal Ward. Tess and Michael celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary at home that year, but sadly, two months later in July 2024 Tess succumbed to hospital induced pneumonia and influenza A. Tess was 59.
Like most of us, Tess hated being in hospital; she loved the outdoors and being with family and friends. Tess and her family built a bond with those who cared for her at Auckland City Hospital – they were extremely grateful for the care given to her – and Tess is affectionately remembered by all who took part in her care.
Husband Michael says, “The care Tess received at Auckland City Hospital was fantastic. The team is under incredible pressure, but they do such great work. We got to know all the nurses and doctors, in particular Professor Helen Pilmore, Tess’s Renal Nephrologist for 22 years; our family built lasting relationships.
"The hospital has been such a big part of our lives for many years, so I wanted to do something in Tess's name, while her twin Angela also wanted her to be remembered.
"When I spoke to the Auckland Hospital Foundation team, I realised you can make a financial gift to a particular hospital department and give to any projects you want to support, so I thought 'why not do that?’.
Tess with her husband, Michael.
"I then spoke to Renal Transplant Nephrologist Dr Jafar Ahmed about the projects that would help give better outcomes for people receiving transplants, greater longevity, and improved quality of life.”
Dr Ahmed and team deeply appreciate this generous gift in Tess’s memory: “We are already benefitting from the grant by performing a study to investigate barriers to accessing kidney transplantation in New Zealand and we have many more useful things planned.”
Michael adds, “For 22 years, Tess got so much benefit from the hospital; it gave her the gift of life, and she was able to have a family. I know she would be happy that she is still making a difference for others after all she gave to us in her beautiful life."
Tess (right) and Angela on their first day of kindergarten.
Tess (right) and Angela on their 40th birthday.
We are eternally grateful to Tess and Michael, and everyone who chooses to leave a legacy gift to the hospital, helping future patients receive the best possible care.
Auckland Hospital Foundation Director Candy Schroder says, "It is hard to adequately express the gratitude we feel when we receive a bequest or a gift in memory of a loved one; we truly appreciate the magnitude of the decision to support the hospital during such a difficult time. When a family like Tess’s chooses to make a difference in our hospital, it is our honour to ensure their gift has a lasting impact and always meets their loved one’s wishes."
To learn more about leaving a legacy gift to Auckland City Hospital, click here, or call us on 09 307 6039 to talk confidentially about the difference you would like to make in your chosen hospital department.
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