Background: A Family in Crisis
For Crystal and Aaron, the start of 2025 brought a challenge that no parent wants to face. Their young son, Lawson, was diagnosed with epilepsy. The diagnosis brought with it a wave of fear and uncertainty, particularly regarding Lawson’s safety at night.
Terrified that Lawson might have a seizure while they slept and that they would not hear it, Crystal and Aaron made the difficult decision to have Lawson sleep in their bed. While this temporary measure reduced their immediate anxiety, it was not a sustainable long-term solution for the family’s wellbeing or sleep quality.
As Crystal candidly shared, “The last year has been hell for the family.”
The Intervention: A Collaborative Solution
Desperate for help, Crystal reached out to Epilepsy New Zealand. In a stroke of perfect timing, Epilepsy New Zealand had recently secured vital funding from the Roy Owen Dixey Charitable Trust.
This generous funding allowed for the purchase of two “Alert-it” Companion nighttime seizure monitors from Te Wana Ltd. These units were specifically designated as loan units, designed to offer families immediate, temporary access to safety technology while they navigated long-term funding options.
Anna-Lee, the Canterbury Educator for Epilepsy New Zealand, co-ordinated with Jonathan from Te Wana Ltd to assist the family. In a supportive joint visit, they went to Lawson’s home to help Crystal and Aaron set up the loan unit.
The Technology: The “Alert-it” Companion
The solution provided was the Alert-it Companion seizure alarm. The system uses a movement sensor pad placed under the mattress, which connects to a bedside Companion unit and transmits to a pager carried by the parents.
The device is sensitive and reliable. Crystal noted that during the day, the family cat sometimes sets it off. Rather than being an annoyance, she sees this as a positive: “It is not a problem and just proves it works,” she said, adding that it offers reassurance that the sensors are active.
Outcomes: Sleep and Safety Restored
The impact of the technology was immediate and profound. With the monitor in place, Crystal and Aaron regained the confidence to let Lawson sleep independently.
“Lawson is in his bed again,” the family reported happily.
For Crystal, the change has been emotional and physical relief. “It gives me peace of mind sleep,” she explained. “It’s been like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”
Securing the Future
While the loan unit from the Roy Owen Dixey Charitable Trust provided the immediate “bridge” to safety, the family needed a permanent solution.
Te Wana Ltd, an accredited supplier to the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), played a crucial role here. With support from Lawson’s neurologist, Jonathan provided the necessary technical information to Work and Income NZ (WINZ). This advocacy and administrative support allowed Crystal to secure full funding for a permanent alarm system for Lawson.
Crystal praised the support they received during this process, noting, “Jonathan made it easy and is a fantastic communicator.”
Conclusion
This case highlights the immense value of cross-organisation collaboration. Through the financial generosity of the Roy Owen Dixey Charitable Trust, the on-the-ground support of Epilepsy New Zealand, and the technical expertise of Te Wana Ltd, Lawson’s family moved from a state of constant fear to a place of safety and rest. As the family simply put it: “It does its job.”
