Helping Chace get leukaemia options

The plight of toddler Chace Topperwien brought Greenkeeper Systems chief executive Helen Joronen to tears and she has decided to forgo her company’s profits for more than a week to help him.

Chace, 3, from Whakatane, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia last year, just days before his second birthday. He participated in a drugs trial in the UK earlier this year, which did not go as well as planned, and they returned to New Zealand last month.

While he cannot continue taking the drugs in this country, he has bounced back and is thriving in his home environment.

Ms Joronen, from Whitby, says her software company want to save money for Kiwis and help Chace at the same time.

Until this Sunday, all proceeds of Greenkeeper sales – which start at just $5 – will go directly to Chace as his family look at further treatment options.

‘‘I understand there’s a significant shortfall to get Chace through the next three months of treatment. I know New Zealand won’t let him go short but we need to do our bit too.’’