Lost and Found

Lost and Found by Toni Street is an inspiring and heartfelt memoir that delves into a life marked by unimaginable loss, profound love, and unwavering resilience. Toni Street, a celebrated New Zealand television personality, might be known for her friendly on-air demeanour, but behind her cheerful exterior lies a story steeped in heartache and perseverance. From the tragedies that struck her family during her childhood to her own health battles and the joy brought by a surrogate, this memoir presents a raw and poignant journey.

Toni and her twin brother, Lance, were the cherished first children of Taranaki dairy farmers Geoff and Wendy Street. Tragedy struck early when Lance was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia at just nine months old, and despite the family's best efforts, he passed away a year later. The Streets' sorrow compounded when their infant daughter, Tracy, born soon after Lance's death, lived for only a few hours due to complications from a difficult pregnancy.

Determined to provide Toni with siblings and rebuild their lives, the Streets welcomed a healthy boy, Stephen, and later, another daughter, Kirsty. The family seemed to regain a semblance of normalcy, but fate dealt another cruel blow. At 14, Stephen tragically died in a quad bike accident while on the farm with his father. This devastating loss became a pivotal moment in Toni's life, solidifying her resolve to bring joy and purpose to her family's existence.

Despite these early hardships, Toni forged a successful career as one of New Zealand’s most beloved television reporters and hosts. Alongside her husband Matt, she sought to build a large, loving family. However, after the birth of their second child, Toni was struck by severe illness. She was eventually diagnosed with Churg-Strauss syndrome, a rare immune disease that led to the removal of her gall bladder and required ongoing medication. This diagnosis meant Toni could no longer carry another child.

Yet, in the face of this adversity, an extraordinary act of friendship emerged. Toni's best friend offered to be a surrogate, fulfilling Toni and Matt's dream of expanding their family. This generous gesture encapsulates the themes of love, resilience, and the unwavering spirit that define Toni's life.

Lost and Found is more than a memoir; it's a compelling testament to the human spirit's capacity for recovery and growth amidst pain. For anyone who has faced their own trials, Toni’s story stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder that even in the darkest times, light and love can prevail.