Nurse’s Journey Comes Full Circle Through Koru Care Adventure

Tara Cheung is set to embark on a transformative journey as she returns to the Gold Coast from October 12 to 21, this time as one of six carers for children facing long-term medical conditions, disabilities, and neurodiversity. This trip is organized by Koru Care, a charity that provides experiences for young individuals with serious health issues, enabling them to enjoy life beyond their medical challenges.

From Patient to Caregiver

At 32 years old, Miss Cheung reflects on her past experiences with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a rare genetic disorder that has significantly impacted her life. After undergoing stomach surgery, she woke up to find her surgeons had not fully stitched her up, leaving her feeling both sore and queasy. She recalls the chaotic aftermath of her condition, which includes multiple surgeries and a long recovery period in hospital.

“My tummy had to be left open for a wee while because the surgeons had to keep going back in, multiple times,” Cheung explained. This challenging ordeal began when she was just 14, leading to a major bowel obstruction and subsequent surgeries that resulted in sepsis. “I was in hospital for several months. It wasn’t great,” she added.

Despite these hardships, the Koru Care trip proved to be a pivotal moment in her life. “You look at some of the other kids on the trip and you think, ‘Man, I thought I had problems.’ It was eye-opening to see what other people experience,” she said. The experience helped her realize that there is always someone else facing more significant challenges.

Gaining Confidence and Independence

Cheung described the trip as life-changing, providing her with a much-needed escape from her daily medical issues. Although initially apprehensive about spending time away from her family, she embraced the opportunity to find independence. “Even when I was sick, either Mum or Dad would always stay with me every night,” she reflected.

The adventure included thrilling activities, pushing her outside of her comfort zone. “We did a whole heap of really fun things, like lots of theme parks. I’m not one for heights,” she admitted. This newfound confidence eventually led her to pursue a career as an oncology and hematology nurse at Dunedin Hospital and to volunteer as a first responder at the Waitati Fire Brigade.

If it weren’t for the Koru Care experience, Cheung believes she may not have chosen the path of nursing. She has since become an active member of the Koru Care Otago committee, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the community that once supported her.

As she prepares for her upcoming trip, Cheung hopes to inspire the children she will care for, showing them that they can overcome their own challenges. “I’m hoping that I’ll be as inspiring for them as the medical team was for me on my trip,” she stated. Her journey reflects not only personal growth but also the profound impact of community support and shared experiences.

With her return to the Gold Coast, Tara Cheung embraces a full-circle moment, ready to uplift and encourage the next generation of young individuals facing their own medical battles.