Project KPH - Kids Pursuing Hope, NZ Registered Charitable Trust

Project KPH is a Charitable Trust and is registered with the Charities Commission

Zahnee's Project


Zahnee is a beautiful, clever, and ambitious six year old girl who has loads of character and loves horses. She was born with a rare facial vascular Haemangioma Tumour that stemmed from behind her right eye. And although she struggles in many ways due to her medical issues, her Mum Jade describes her as 'bright and bubbly'.

In mid September 2011 Zahnee travelled with her family to the United States to have a life-changing operation on her right eye that cannot be offered here in New Zealand.

This is a journal of Zahnee's journey to creating and manifesting her dreams of learning to ride and competing in a ribbon day; and, writing a children’s book to inspire empathy and understanding in others of children who may look a bit different, and for kids like her to find the courage to follow their dreams too.


We are building a photo story as well which will be presented to her at the completion of her project serving as treasured tangible memories of her special project, affirm that she can, and provide a valuable source of inspiration in the years to come.

On Saturday the 13th August 2011 Zahnee took the first step to creating this reality. From here every week through to the 9th September 2011 we met for a riding lesson. Zahnee then headed to the States for her operation and we resumed the lessons once she was well enough. Zahnee then competed against other kids on ponies in a Ribbon Day Show at the Mount/Papamoa Pony Club one week before Christmas 2011.

All the while we have been searching for big hearted people who wish to help us with her book, and we are very pleased to say that as of April 2012 we are now working with both a book designer and illustrator to do just that.

The story so far ...

23 April:

News flash!!! Hot off the press for you Team!

As of today we welcome another Angel to our support team - Bruce Wallace, who has agreed to design Zahnee's book for her.

We have been searching for Bruce for around eight months and now we know why, he is worth the wait!

Bruce really knows his stuff, bringing years of experience, a host of talent and epic heart to Zahnee's Project. We know there will be many many hours of high quality voluntary work dedicated here. We know that it'll all be carried out with absolute heart and humility.

From the Team at Project KPH HQ, a toasty warm welcome and hearty thanks to you Bruce for being a big part of Zahnee's success story.

YES! YES! YES!

X X X

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18 April:

Team! Long time no update!

Leah met with Sue Farrell our Illustrator Extraordinaire who is 110% on board with Zahnee's Project and very much 'gets it'. They discussed at length the entire scenario and Sue has also supplied Leah with a new lead for publishing and contributed valuable ideas around target reach for the completed book.

Torenzo has been on a shopping trip with the wonderful Julia who is providing Torenzo with amazing support in executing his garment design. The countdown to the show is ON!

It's all steaming along Team, every step is a step closer.

We ♥ people like Sue and Julia who not only do the work they've agreed to but who actually go the extra mile because they're heart is truly in it.

Massive shout out to ALL our loyal, big hearted, and very much appreciated supporters. These kids dreams become manifest because of YOU!

From the Crew at Project KPH

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5 April:

Team Progress Report:

* Meeting with Zahnee's Illustrator - Sue Farrell - next week! Good to have the ball rolling with this part of her book, yah!

* Torenzo's design for the Hokonui Show has just been sent through to Annah Stretton and her Team for comment and bookings for accom & flights are done - it's getting very real!

It's all happening Team even if you can't actually see it yet!

From Project KPH HQ, a happy and safe Easter to all xxx

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13 March:

AWESOME NEWS hot off the press especially for you Team: we've secured an illustrator for Zahnee's book!!! Our illustrator is Sue Farrell. Sue has an extensive background in book illustration and clearly a massive heart. Projects like these would simply not come to fruition if not for special people like Sue who are willing to give up their time & talent to help those less advantaged. Huge shout out to you Sue!!! Welcome aboard xxx

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17 December:

Project KPH would like to offer up a hearty Congratulations to Zahnee Campbell for successfully completing a huge part of her project. Despite her many challenges Zahnee has been learning to ride since August and today competed against other kids on ponies at a Ribbon Day Show. She not only came home with a ribbon, she came home with five. And she earnt every single one of them. Zahnee got out there today in what is an intense environment for her and showed the world what she is made of. We are immensely proud of who you are and what you have achieved. When people ask you what you did Saturday the 17th December 2011, you can say 'Nailed my dream, good & proper like'. In the years to come the incredibly special letter you received from the world's best Horseman, Mark Todd - will serve as inspiration and and motivation for you to keep pursuing your dreams. What a star Zahnee Campbell, what a star. Project KPH would like to make a special thank you to Linda Hitchman and Mark Lamb. Two people whose hearts and positive impact are bigger than they know. You both played integral parts in making this work for Zahnee and I hope you can be proud of that reality. Thank you to Prue & Terry who loaned gear, to Kellie Hamlett who sourced gear, to Sam for her help today, to Jade's Mum Wendy for roping in workmates to loan gear. You've all been absolutely wonderful and played special vital roles in what is now part of Zahnee's fantastic legacy. Check out the great photos from Zahnee's big crescendo to the learning to ride part of her project - The Ribbon Day - below. Well done Zahnee, very very well done. You owned it super star xxx

Zahnee Zahnee
Zahnee Zahnee

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17 December:

It's Show Day Zahnee! Your gear is washed, dried & being pressed - you are going to be AMAZING. Zahnee competes today against other kids at the Papamoa/Mount Pony Club in the much anticipated Ribbon Day. Let's show the world what you've got wee girl. Time to SHINE xxx

Zahnee Zahnee
Zahnee Zahnee

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16 December:

Zahnee had her final riding lesson today and made it another very successful experience. Zahnee is all set for the big cresendo to her learning to ride part of her project - she takes on the challenge of competing against other kids tomorrow in a Ribbon Day. Big stuff from a wee girl. Everyone is seriously excited for Zahnee and her family to realise this big goal. Bring it ON Zahnee! You are going to OWN it like a boss and we are all going to really enjoy celebrating with you and your family. See you bright and early at the Papamoa/Mount Pony Club. Show your support for Zahnee by wishing her luck below, she will read and appreciate all support. The weather will be FINE xxx

Zahnee Zahnee
Zahnee Zahnee

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09 December:

Zahnee's second to last lesson today was yet another testimony to her character & want to see a successful conclusion to her riding experience. Zahnee showed strength and was decisive; her actions positive and another step up again. Zahnee has only one lesson left (next Friday) before she takes on the challenge of competing in a ribbon day next Saturday. There is much excitement indeed as she prepares to realise this big crescendo to her learning to ride. Zahnee you continue to shine and thrive with each step up in responsibility & challenge. We are all very proud of your inspirational effort. GO ZAHNEE!!! Bring on next week super star! Check out the updated album of photos from Zahnee's journey below xxx

Zahnee Zahnee
Zahnee Zahnee

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02 December:

WOW! Zahnee's lesson today saw her take a sensational step up in her riding! Zahnee had a much more intensive lesson today really homing in on taking control, using strength and encouraging 'next move' thought strategies to help momentum. With an incredibly positive response to today's style, Zahnee simply showed exactly what she's made of, and how much she wants this. With her big ribbon day crescendo to her riding lessons only two weeks away - the excitement is building and Zahnee is making sure she is giving herself the best set up to give it everything she's got. For the first time ever Zahnee talked about next week's lesson by stating "I'll be even better next week!" - for you to be thinking like this Zahnee tells me a whole power of how much this experience means for you. Couldn't be prouder of who you are, and what you are creating for yourself, your family & friends. Your courage is touching many lives. See you next week! Bring it on! xxx

Zahnee Zahnee
Zahnee Zahnee

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23 November:

Wow! Zahnee had one of her best lessons yet today! After a little bit of reluctance she was Hi Ho Matchie and away showing the TV crew exactly what she's made of. We had a great laugh when half way down the arena Zahnee announces to me "I have a tooth!", I stopped, turned around and held out my hand for her to spit it into as I didn't want her to accidentally swallow it. We approached the group watching and I said "I have a tooth" and gave it to Zahnee's Mum Jade. Zahnee lost her first tooth and I caught it! Ha! Zahnee today you took control and showed us all how you feel about your riding experience. I am SOOOOO PROUD OF YOU!!! And I hope you are proud of you too. What you are overcoming, who you are, inspirational. And your story WILL be told. Rock on next week beautiful girl xxx

Zahnee Zahnee
Zahnee Zahnee

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18 November:

Zahnee had her second lesson today after her nine week break. We are working very hard to ensure Zahnee learns to trust again in an environment she loves. After a bit of a wobbly start Zahnee relaxed into her lesson, and made it a sucessful outcome. These may seem trivial issues to overcome but for Zahnee, trust is a major factor in her confidence - trust in herself, that she can cope physically and mentall; and trust in the environment and all the variables in it. Today we made some real ground here. You did great Zahnee, and you are going to ROCK the TV next week. Woohoo, see you Wednesday super star! For photos of today's lesson see the updated album below. GO Zahnee xxx

Zahnee Zahnee
Zahnee Zahnee

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11 November:

Zahnee resumed riding lessons today after 9 weeks off due to her big operation in the States. We had a tough start with a very upset and scared Zahnee not wanting to even touch or ride Matchie but after lots of one on one work we ended on a completely different note - with Zahnee back in the saddle and enjoying herself. And looking super cool in her new helmet and gloves! Really proud of you Zahnee, you felt your fear and overcame it - that's what legends are made of. Was fantastic to see Zahnee's Mum Jade, Linda & Kev, and Mark again. Ribbon day is 17th December 2011, exciting!!!

Zahnee Zahnee
Zahnee Zahnee

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11 November:

CUTEST thing: gorgeous young daughter of Prue & Terry who have loaned me gear for Zahnee to try on today, Sophie, who decided after reading the Project KPH website that she'd raid her piggy bank and make a donation. Priceless, precious moments in life - love, love, love it! Thank you Sophie! And thank you Prue & Terry - will let you know how the fitting goes xxx

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31 October:

Great news for our avid Zahnee fans! Riding lessons resume Friday the 11th November 2011 which lead Zahnee to her big crescendo of competing in what will now be a 'Christmas' Ribbon Day. Wooohooo!

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12 October:

EXCELLENT News Team: Zahnee's surgery and subsequent recovery continue to be a huge success. According to Mum Jade it's made such a significant difference to the function of her right eye that she may not even require glasses. This will have a hugely positive impact on the rest of her body which had adapted to compensate but resulted in negative secondary health issues. We can only imagine the immense sense of elation & relief for Zahnee and her family. Absolutely wonderful stuff X X X

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09 September:

Zahnee had her 5th and last lesson today before she heads off to New York for surgery. Once again Zahnee showed her determination & commitment to learning to ride. Zahnee you epitomise the saying 'You get back what you put in'. You had an absolute ball today practising everything you've learnt and your lesson was the perfect send off. Your friends will miss you very much & wish you the warmest wishes for a successful surgery & recovery. See you in a couple of months amazing beautiful Zahnee XXX

Zahnee Zahnee
Zahnee Zahnee

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03 September:

Today Zahnee showed herself & the world exactly what she's made of. She had her first (very graceful) fall today; did she cry, yes; did she get a big fright, yes; did she get back on, YES! Zahnee today you showed what a gutsy wee girl you are and you could teach a lot of adults, let alone other children, about what it means to step up, take responsibility, and put things into perspective. You are without exaggeration a true star. MEGA PROUD!!! :) xxx

Zahnee Zahnee
Zahnee Zahnee

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26 August:

Lesson Three today was another fantastic example of Zahnee showing she CAN! Zahnee spent most of today's lesson off the lead reign and is really starting to put it all together. Zahnee's confidence is soaring in and out of the arena and she is now the talk of her school. Zahnee you are doing an amazing job - whatever you do, just KEEP GOING! We're all very proud of you. Another massive thanks to Linda & Kev, and Mark. See you next week Zahnee. Enjoy shining bright like the star you are xxx

Zahnee Zahnee
Zahnee Zahnee

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19 August:

Day Two of Zahnee's lessons was very successful. Zahnee learnt to take more control and 'tell' Matchie the pony what she wants her to do. Zahnee your improvement from last week to this week is fantastic! Keep up the great work, you're a real star and we're all really proud of you. Keep an eye on this page as Zahnee will be popping in to share her thoughts with you all directly. See you next week! GO ZAHNEE!!!

Zahnee Zahnee
Zahnee Zahnee

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13 August:

Today we launched Zahnee's Project with a fantastic result. Check out the cool pics below - Zahnee is a star! :))) x

Zahnee Zahnee
Zahnee Zahnee

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9 August:

Well Team, we have lift off!!! Saturday sees our very first Project under our new broader objectives come to life. Have been working hard behind the scenes as per, and fully intend on helping our gorgeous wee friend soar into success armed with a feisty can do attitude, and an ambitious vision - love it!!! Watch this space for what will be a heartlifting developing story about a wee girl with a meaningful message ... :)))

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Zahnee and Matchie the pony on Ribbon Day.
Zahnee and Matchie the pony on Ribbon Day.
Mark Todd writes to Zahnee Campbell.
Zahnee received a letter from the World's Best Horseman Mark Todd! If this isn't acknowledgment of her success we don't know what is!

Special acknowledgements to:

* Bruce Wallace – who through many voluntary hours is our wonderful book designer helping Zahnee to create her much anticipated book.

* Sue Farrell – who is our illustrator extraordinaire dedicating many voluntary hours working on Zahnee’s book

* Linda Hitchman - who has provided us with the use of ‘Matchie’, riding gear, facilities and giving up her time to help.

* Mark Lamb - who is travelling with Leah each week, volunteering professional photography services to capture the adventure.

These are the special and important people who are creating the platform from which Zahnee realises her dreams.

Zahnee simply shines in her uniqueness and has a meaningful and important message, join us as we help Zahnee convey this in her heartlifting journey.


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