Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Meg Theriault and parents leave New Zealand
Meg Theriault and parents leave New Zealand
The 21-year-old American student involved in a fatal car accident last month near Turangi, flew out of Hamilton International Airport today on a medi-flight bound for Boston, Massachusetts.
Meg Theriault’s parents Todd and Deb made the decision not to talk directly to media or have their daughter interviewed or photographed out of respect for her wishes. Instead,they released a statement, two sound bites and a photograph.
They said they wanted to thank everyone in New Zealand.
“We are overwhelmed by
the appreciation and kindness and I want to take this
opportunity to say how fantastic the care at Waikato Hospital has been, it’s been
great,” said Todd.
(Download to the right sound bites of Todd and Deb and trauma
specialist Grant Christeyand see what inspired Meg's
recovery).
“We’re just overwhelmed by the
appreciation and the kindness of all the people. Thank you.
We’re on our way home, we will be back, we will be back
– to show our appreciation again. Meg has a lot of people
she needs to thank.”
Deb said her daughter would return to New Zealand once she finished her studies at Boston University.
“She will thank everyone in person and she will do that Tongariro Crossing. She’s a determined girl and as a family we’ll be here to support her,” she said.
Their statement follows:
“Because of all of the care, love and prayers Meg has received since the accident on May 12, she is now on her way home with us to Boston. It was four weeks ago that we received the news that our daughter and her friends had been in a tragic car accident. The lives of all of the families of this wonderful group of young students were turned upside down and we continue to support each other as we move forward.
“It has been a much different journey than what these adventurous students had originally planned. Our experiences have taught us to look at the world through very different eyes.
"We just cannot find the words to thank the staff at Waikato Hospital and the wonderful Kiwis that have made us feel so welcome here.
"There are too many special individuals to name. As we land in Boston, we will be back with Meg’s extended family and so many of her friends that have sent their love and prayers to her from the other side of the world.
"The journey will continue there, but we know in our hearts that Meg will work to heal and return to finish her studies at Boston University.
"Our entire family wants to express their appreciation to
everyone on both sides of the world that have helped to
bring Meg home.”
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
Gordon Campbell: On The Left’s Electability Crisis, And The Abundance Ecotopia
NZDF: Battlefield Remains Unearthed By Wildfires In Gallipoli Covered Over By Kiwi Team
NZ Police: New Zealand Police team up with Z Energy, NZTA and ACC to remind Kiwis to drive safe this Easter
NZCAST: NZCAST Leads Ongoing Cross-Agency Collaboration To Break Down Barriers For Survivors Of State Abuse
Regional and Unitary Councils Aotearoa: Regional And Unitary Councils Back A Practical FWFP System
NZ Government: Stay Safe On Our Roads This Easter
YWCA: Global Push Back Against Gender Equality A Growing Crisis In Aotearoa
