Community steps in to support twins’ family
After a heartbreaking terminal cancer diagnosis for newborn Southland identical twin girls the community has raised close to $30,000 for the grieving parents.
Born prematurely at 32 weeks to Invercargill couple Mathew Broad and Sonja Mckenzie on February 6, Charlotte and Olivia were diagnosed with terminal leukaemia a fortnight later.
Such a diagnosis for children so young is extremely rare, according to medical experts.
A Givealittle page set up by family friend Jane Douglas had raised $29,225 last night, made up of more than 620 donations from friends, fam- ily and community members supporting the couple.
“Unsure of the time we have with these precious babies we are raising money to help their parents, Matt and Sonja stay with them to enjoy every moment and not have the additional worry of expenses,” Mrs Douglas’ listing on the page said.
Those who donated included Ms Mckenzie’s workplace, financial consultant Crowe Horwath.
Principal Chris Checketts said the business wanted to support her and Mr Broad. “They are having to go through a lot,” he said. “It is close to home and it is the least we can do for one of our valuable employees.”
He said Invercargill was a tight-knit community.
“Most people know each other through one or two degrees of separation . . . and we support people when they go through these difficult times.”
Leukaemia and Blood Foundation chief executive Pru Etcheverry said leukaemia accounted for about half of all child cancer, meaning about 75 children were living with the disease.
“Any diagnosis is very, very hard on any family affected and it’s very difficult for families and really important if people can be supported at these times.”
Ms McKenzie and Mr Broad are widely recognised as already contri- buting to the community who are now giving back to his family.
In 2012, Mr Broad ran the length of the country to raise $30,000 for St John Ambulance in memory of his late grandfather, who was a passionate supporter and regional chairman of the Winton ambulance service.
Ms McKenzie is a gymnastics coach and former athlete with Invercargill Gymnastics Club, which has also donated to the cause.