Teenage New Zealand Warriors spine player Noah Jensen has been hospitalised after receiving a devastating diagnosis of two rare blood disorders: paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and aplastic anemia.
The 19-year-old received the shocking news late last week and has already begun intensive treatment, which includes daily blood and platelet transfusions, as well as a planned bone marrow transplant.
In response to the diagnoses, Jensen’s family created a fundraising page, sharing that they were in “shock” by the diagnosis and highlighting the difficult journey ahead for his recovery.
“Our world has been shaken,” the family wrote on a fundraising page.
MORE: Warriors coach responds after gun linked with R360 move
“He also has aplastic anemia. He is being looked after very well by the doctors and nurses and will be in hospital for some time as he needs to get all the right treatment.
“We are still in so much shock with the news. He will be going through some really intense treatment and has already.”
Jensen’s family has spoken about the significant financial strain his treatment has placed on them, describing it as 'very expensive.' So far, more than $20,000 has been raised through donations to help cover the costs of his ongoing care.
In an update on Tuesday morning, the family of New Zealand Warriors junior player Noah Jensen confirmed that he is currently in the Auckland Haematology Unit, awaiting details on the next steps of his recovery.
Despite the challenges ahead, they shared that the young Warriors star remains in good spirits and is deeply grateful for the overwhelming support.
“He will settle in and we will find out over the next couple of days what everything is going to look like for him,” they wrote.
“He is in such good spirits and taking each day at a time. Our boy has so much resilience and is ready to take on what is to come his way.
“Feeling the Aroha (love) from so many and we thank you all so much for the support for Noah and Whanau (family).
“They are feeling very overwhelmed by all the generosity from you all.”