Waikato girl Jackie Mead had a horrific start to her life after being born with a rare liver condition called biliary atresia and suffering a stroke and brain haemorrhage after an operation went wrong, destroying 63 per cent of her brain capacity.
Additionally, she was given Hepatitis B-infected donor liver meaning she is now blind in her right eye and going blind in her left, and suffers from a form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Her mother Susan says: "My child was never supposed to walk or talk. Now she's turning into the most amazing young adult. She goes to school every day she's able and has an empathy for other people that makes me strive to be a better person."
Susan and Jackie's dad Mario Moon gave up their jobs to support her and keep the family unit together. Thanks to their love, belief and dedication Jackie now has full speech and mobility.