THE face of three-year-old patient Matilda Byrne was seen covering the walls of Far North Queensland Woolworths stores this month as part of a local fund-raiser for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, which raised more than $16,000 for regional children’s wards.
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Matilda’s face was pictured on $2 wall tokens sold from September 1-14, with all funds directed to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation for the purchase of life-saving equipment and resources.
Matilda’s mother Kirstie Byrne said she was proud to have her daughter featured as the face of the fund-raiser having experienced the vital services available in the area first-hand.
‘‘I am proud that Matilda’s story inspired locals to raise thousands of dollars to help give our kids access to the best possible healthcare,’’ Mrs Byrne said.
At just 18 months old, Matilda was diagnosed with high risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
Her diagnosis quickly changed to very high risk after a bone marrow aspirate showed residual disease.
After 11 months of treatment at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, the family flew home to Cairns.
Three-year-old Matilda is now doing well on maintenance treatment, which includes regular chemotherapy and monthly trips to Brisbane.
Cairns Woolworths manager Enrico Lazzarin said the success of the wall token fund-raiser came down to the unwavering community spirit of local shoppers.
‘‘Having Matilda’s face pictured on the wall token really brought home the importance of supporting our little patients living regionally.
‘‘One hundred per cent of all wall token sales will go back to the children’s ward of regional hospitals to help improve the lives of sick and injured children like Matilda.’’