headshot of Reverend Brad Wood, youth enabler in the Nelson Anglican Diocese

Brad Wood

Youth Ministry

Brad oversees youth ministry throughout the diocese. He has a passion for telling stories and spends his free time throwing clay on a pottery wheel.

Supporting Reuben's road to recovery

Brad Wood

Youth Ministry

Brad oversees youth ministry throughout the diocese. He has a passion for telling stories and spends his free time throwing clay on a pottery wheel.

Supporting Reuben's road to recovery

a young boy sits in a cafe at a chessboard, pondering his next move

Christmas is typically a season of joy, but for Reuben and the Keighley family, it marked the beginning of an unexpected journey. Reuben was diagnosed with an aggressive form of scoliosis in January and now needs corrective surgery. After months of waiting, Reuben is finally having the surgery he needs this week, which will significantly reduce the impact of the scoliosis. Unfortunately, the family’s insurance doesn’t cover any scoliosis-related costs and ongoing rehabilitation requirements. Post-surgery there will be significant costs with both rehabilitation and specialist help.

Scoliosis is a medical condition where there's a sideways curve in the spine rather than it being straight. Typically, the curve forms an "S" or "C" shape. In Reuben's case, the condition is particularly aggressive and complex, resulting in significant curvature. This has not only affected his posture but also impacts his daily life and activities. 

an x-ray showing a boy's spine with a severe curve
Reuben's spine

How can you help?

As the Nelson Diocese whānau we have an opportunity to support Reuben and the Keighley family through donating via this Givealittle page. Every contribution will help with immediate medical expenses and ensure Reuben's future is as bright and pain-free as possible.

The funds will cover immediate medical and surgery expenses, future rehabilitation sessions, and essential items that will assist Reuben in his post-surgery life, such as specific furniture and health aids to support his well-being.

Reuben and the Keighley family are part of the Nelson Anglican Diocese whānau, with Joe Keighley serving as the vicar of the Wairau Valley Parish in Marlborough. You can find their Givealittle page to make a donation here.

Check out other articles in the

series below.

More articles in the

series are to come.

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We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.

Supporting Reuben's road to recovery

Brad Wood

Youth Ministry

Brad oversees youth ministry throughout the diocese. He has a passion for telling stories and spends his free time throwing clay on a pottery wheel.

Supporting Reuben's road to recovery

Brad Wood

Youth Ministry

Brad oversees youth ministry throughout the diocese. He has a passion for telling stories and spends his free time throwing clay on a pottery wheel.

Supporting Reuben's road to recovery

a young boy sits in a cafe at a chessboard, pondering his next move

Christmas is typically a season of joy, but for Reuben and the Keighley family, it marked the beginning of an unexpected journey. Reuben was diagnosed with an aggressive form of scoliosis in January and now needs corrective surgery. After months of waiting, Reuben is finally having the surgery he needs this week, which will significantly reduce the impact of the scoliosis. Unfortunately, the family’s insurance doesn’t cover any scoliosis-related costs and ongoing rehabilitation requirements. Post-surgery there will be significant costs with both rehabilitation and specialist help.

Scoliosis is a medical condition where there's a sideways curve in the spine rather than it being straight. Typically, the curve forms an "S" or "C" shape. In Reuben's case, the condition is particularly aggressive and complex, resulting in significant curvature. This has not only affected his posture but also impacts his daily life and activities. 

an x-ray showing a boy's spine with a severe curve
Reuben's spine

How can you help?

As the Nelson Diocese whānau we have an opportunity to support Reuben and the Keighley family through donating via this Givealittle page. Every contribution will help with immediate medical expenses and ensure Reuben's future is as bright and pain-free as possible.

The funds will cover immediate medical and surgery expenses, future rehabilitation sessions, and essential items that will assist Reuben in his post-surgery life, such as specific furniture and health aids to support his well-being.

Reuben and the Keighley family are part of the Nelson Anglican Diocese whānau, with Joe Keighley serving as the vicar of the Wairau Valley Parish in Marlborough. You can find their Givealittle page to make a donation here.

Check out other articles in the

series below.

More articles in the

series are to come.