Standing with Dr Tracy: Turning Community Support into Practical Help
A community response rooted in compassion, faith and hope
The response to the recent article in The Press about Dr Tracy has been both moving and deeply encouraging. Among the many comments, more than 98% expressed support for Tracy, her principles and her right to act according to her conscience. At least five people went a step further, suggesting that a GiveSendGo fundraiser be established to help her through this challenging time.
Those messages have meant a great deal to Tracy. After 26 years devoted to caring for others, it is heartening to know that so many people recognise the person behind the headlines and want to see her supported through a difficult chapter of her life.
This campaign is an opportunity to turn that kindness into practical help and show Tracy that she does not have to face these challenges alone.
A lifetime dedicated to caring for others
Dr Tracy is a New Zealand GP with 26 years of experience caring for patients. For the past eight years, she has focused on holistic and integrative medicine, seeking to understand the whole person and support their health through an individualised approach to care.
Throughout her career, Tracy has been guided by the principles of the Hippocratic Oath, particularly “First, do no harm,” alongside compassion, honesty, respect for patient autonomy and the importance of fully informed consent.
Her professional difficulties arose from her approach to COVID-related medical decisions and communications. Following a four-year investigation by the Medical Council, she faced proceedings before the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal in December 2024.
The matters included providing a vaccine exemption, investigating suspected vaccine-related injuries, prescribing and importing ivermectin for patients who requested it, and privately communicating her concerns about COVID vaccination.
The outcome was a three-month suspension from medical practice, three years of supervision and a $5,000 fine.
These consequences have had a profound impact on Tracy's professional life, finances and wellbeing. They have also brought significant uncertainty to someone who had spent more than two decades building a career around caring for others.
The personal cost behind the headlines
Alongside the professional and financial challenges, Tracy has faced serious health difficulties.
In August 2024, she underwent emergency, life-saving surgery for a twisted bowel, followed by further surgery to address complications. The physical demands of surgery and recovery, combined with the stress of the preceding years, have placed a considerable burden on her health.
Tracy has said that medical professionals recommended postponing her disciplinary hearing while she recovered, but the hearing proceeded in her absence.
Like many small healthcare businesses, Tracy's practice also experienced a substantial reduction in income during the COVID response. The subsequent professional restrictions and the recent media coverage have made securing work more difficult. After reading the article, her employer terminated her contract, leaving her facing further uncertainty and the prospect of legal expenses as she seeks to challenge that decision.
She is also managing ongoing medical expenses, supervision fees, the disciplinary fine and the everyday costs of living, while continuing to support her youngest child at home. Her health remains an important consideration as she works towards recovery and rebuilds her working life.
It is a great deal for one person to carry.
Why this fundraiser matters
Despite everything she has experienced, Tracy's commitment to helping others remains an important part of who she is. Her hope is to regain her health, rebuild her life and continue making a positive contribution through her work.
The response to the recent article has reminded her that the story is bigger than the headlines. People have taken the time to speak up, offer encouragement and suggest ways to help. That kindness has brought hope at a time when it is greatly needed.
Now we have an opportunity to stand beside Tracy in a tangible way.
Funds raised through this campaign will help with:
- Legal expenses associated with addressing the termination of her employment and protecting her professional interests.
- Medical expenses and recovery, giving Tracy greater opportunity to focus on rebuilding her health.
- The financial consequences of her suspension and reduced employment opportunities, including supervision fees and the disciplinary fine.
- Essential living costs as she works towards greater stability and a sustainable future.
Every contribution, whatever its size, will make a difference. There is no expectation that everyone will be able to give financially. Sharing this campaign, offering a prayer or sending a kind message of encouragement can also mean so much.
A little kindness can make a real difference
After 26 years spent caring for patients and supporting people through their own health challenges, Tracy now finds herself in a season when she needs support herself.
This campaign is about more than raising money. It is about recognising the human being behind the headlines, acknowledging a lifetime of service and offering practical compassion when it is needed most.
It is about helping Tracy find some breathing room: the opportunity to focus on healing, navigate the challenges ahead and look towards the future with renewed hope.
For those who believe in compassion, personal conscience, patient autonomy and standing alongside others in difficult times, this is an opportunity to put those values into action.
To everyone who has already offered words of support, shared their concerns or suggested that this fundraiser be created, thank you. Your encouragement has helped bring this campaign to life.
And to everyone who chooses to contribute, share the page or keep Tracy in their prayers, thank you for being part of this community of support.
With gratitude, faith and hope for the future, thank you for standing with Dr Tracy.
