An Auckland teen who once wrote a bucket list to distract herself from her life-long illness and to focus on positive goals has ticked off a milestone by becoming the first child ambassador for Make-a-Wish New Zealand.
Kavanna Hasselman yesterday accepted a $25,000 cheque on behalf of the sick-children's charity from the sale proceeds of a house that was built for the purpose at the new Fairway Bay subdivision at Gulf Harbour, on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
Putting her crutches to one side, the 15-year-old was able to make a clear and strong thank-you speech, though weary after a 10-day stay in the Starship children's hospital in Auckland.
"I'm so happy to be the first child ambassador and be able to spread a message of strength, hope and joy," said Kavanna, who has been diagnosed with chronic suppurative lung disease and chronic obstructive asthma.
At 5 weeks old, she had her first of more than 200 admissions to the Starship with breathing problems.
