Auckland mother-of-three Devora Busch has been left stunned after receiving a hugely generous donation by singer Lorde.
Devora’s daughter Rheegan, who has a non-identical twin sister, is severely autistic. When Woman’s Day sat down with Devora and her partner Richard Barry in May, the couple described Rhee as “a toddler trapped in the body of a 10-year-old girl”.
“As our 13-year-old son said, the sun shines on one side of Rhee’s brain – the other side is in the shadows,” Devora said.
Devora gave up her career as a primary school teacher to focus on the 24-hour-a-day job of caring for Rhee, who requires round-the-clock supervision.
Rhee is driven by a constant desire to escape and run, and has a life-threatening eating disorder, pica – an uncontrollable compulsion to consume non-food items.
“She’s at constant risk of death from choking or being poisoned,” says Devora.
“It’s hard to visit people and take Rhee places, so home is really important.”
Sadly, earlier this year, Devora and Richard were told the devastating news that their Titirangi home was a leaky building.
While repairs to their home are partially funded by Government and council assistance packages for owners of leaky homes, the couple struggled to cover both the rent for another house while repairs took place and the cost of Rhee’s care – especially once Richard was no longer able to work due to acute hearing loss and other health problems.
The private, hard-working couple were reluctant to ask for help, but a relative came to their aid and set up a Givealittle page to raise funds for the family.
The fundraising page has raised more than $66,000 since it was launched in March, but received its biggest boost when Lorde, real name Ella Yelich-O’Connor, donated $10,000.
“Sending best wishes and love to you and your parents, Rhee. Xxxx,” wrote the Kiwi singer.
Devora was blown away by the act of generosity, and only found out about the donation when her mother texted her.
“What an amazing young woman she is. There’s no personal connection so I’m very humbled that she would think of us.”
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