A.i.d.s. Victim Family To Move To N.z. (Press, 27 May 1986)
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Summary: A.i.d.s. Victim Family To Move To N.z. (Press, 27 May 1986)
Eve Van Grafhorst, a three-year-old A.I.D.S. victim, and her family are preparing to move to New Zealand to escape the abuse and ignorance they have faced in their home town of Kincumber, near Gosford, New South Wales. Eve contracted A.I.D.S. through a blood transfusion at birth and is currently suffering from second-stage A.I.D.S. Since her diagnosis became public, the family has endured significant ostracism, with Eve being barred from play school twice and local families distancing themselves from her. A neighbour even constructed a steel fence to keep her away from their property, despite assurances from health authorities that the virus could not be transmitted through casual contact. During a recent visit to Hastings, where Mrs Van Grafhorst's parents live, the situation garnered sympathy from New Zealanders, leading to community support for the family. An appeal entitled "A Life for Eve" has raised close to $16,000, which will aid them in starting anew in New Zealand. John Van Grafhorst announced on 27 May 1986 that airline tickets have been purchased, their home is on the market, and he has secured a job painting houses in Hastings. The family intends to depart for New Zealand on June 4. John Van Grafhorst, who is Dutch and met his wife Gloria in Australia, shared that he visited New Zealand once and appreciated its family-oriented lifestyle. He expressed eagerness for this relocation and indicated the family's plans to have another child once settled in New Zealand. He hopes that a new child will help demonstrate that other children can grow up alongside Eve without contracting A.I.D.S. The Van Grafhorsts also have another daughter, Dana, who is 13, while Eve's fourth birthday is on July 14.
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