Grieving couple keen to help families

FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: Chace Topperwien's parents Keri (left) and Ryan need only remember his smile to motivate them to do the work in his memory.PHOTO/FILE

Whakatane's Ryan and Keri Topperwien have been nominated for the inaugural Pride of New Zealand Awards, celebrating Kiwis whose community actions deserve recognition.

They are behind the Dream Chaser Foundation - A Chace Topperwien Charity - set up to help the families of children battling cancer.

The couple decided to set up the cause after their 3-year-old son, Chace, died almost two years ago following a brave fight with a rare form of leukaemia.

"We just wanted to do something in his name. He was really caring and always smiling. So we wanted to do something that would help other families."

Under the charity, the couple organise various events and fundraisers to raise money to help families in Ronald McDonald House, those children who are in hospital and families who have lost a child to cancer.

They work closely with local businesses, which offer services or gift vouchers to help with presents for children.

They also organise events including music therapy courses and Sunshine Week - when popcorn machines and icecreams are brought into the children's hospital ward as kids watch movies in a specially-made theatre.

For families where a child has died, bereavement grants of up to $500 are given out to help with costs.

Mr Topperwien said organising such events for youngsters and families was hugely fulfilling to them.

"We get to talk to people who are going through hard situations and we can relate to them first-hand, because it's what we went through. It is so physically and emotionally draining when your child is sick and so doing this helps us too."

About pride of New Zealand Awards:

Anyone can nominate people they feel are unsung heroes working hard to make a difference within their community. The awards are being held in association with this paper, the New Zealand Herald, The Hits radio station and TSB Bank.

The six categories honour bravery and heroism, community spirit, environmental leaders, emergency heroes and fundraisers. A special lifetime achievement award will be given and there is a people's choice award.

For more information and to nominate visit the Pride of New Zealand website - www.prideofnewzealand.co.nz