When Auckland teenager Mollie Kroon was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma - a type of bone and tissue cancer - her life changed overnight. One moment she was a regular sporty teen, the next she was starting treatment at Starship Children's Hospital.
Under the care of Starship Oncologist Dr Mark Winstanley, Mollie began chemotherapy to shrink the tumour in her pelvic bone before surgery. During this challenging time, Starship's oncology team offered Mollie hope through a procedure called Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation (OTC).
This life-changing procedure is now accessible to young New Zealanders who need it, thanks to funding from Mercury customers who donate through their monthly bills. Since 2016, 68 girls from across Aotearoa have received OTC, including 14 in 2024 alone.
"The procedure has given me the chance to one day have a family of my own," Mollie shares. "Something I never thought would be possible when I was first diagnosed. Thanks to funding from Mercury customers, I now have hope for my future, and I'm so grateful for that."
The impact of these donations extends beyond helping girls like Mollie. The success of the OTC programme led to the launch of the Testicular Tissue Cryopreservation (TTC) project for boys facing similar challenges. Already, 13 boys aged 0-12 from across Aotearoa have enrolled in this groundbreaking programme - the first of its kind in New Zealand.
"We get about 120 new children and young adults with cancer through our service each year," explains Dr Winstanley. "To offer these young people hope of still being able to have children is a particular passion of mine."
Sarah Hunter, Research Manager at Starship's Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Service, adds: "We wouldn't have been able to offer this without those who support the Starship Foundation. So thank you."
If you aren’t already, you can be part of this incredible journey. By adding a small monthly donation to your Mercury bill, you'll help give hope to young New Zealanders and their whānau when they need it most.
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