Matilda with her sisters, Georgia and Danika.
Year 8 student Matilda Pitts found joy in participating in the art competition at the Brunswick Show over the weekend. After a year filled with challenges, crafting and creating art has been her way of lifting her spirits and looking after her mental health.
Matilda entered eight pieces in the Show and performed remarkably well, placing first with six of her entries and second for the other two. One of the items Matilda had completed in her Art elective at Our Lady of Mercy College earlier this year.
Matilda's family attending the Brunswick Show, alongside examples of her beautiful artwork on display.
The Brunswick Show has always been an annual highlight for the family since Matilda was born. This year, the community rallied together to make sure the girls could once again participate in the show entries. Although Matilda could not physically be there, the Brunswick Show Stewards (coincidently friends and long-time supporters of the Pitts family) made sure everything was provided and entered correctly. The Agricultural Society kindly donated free entry and show organisers arranged free passes for sideshow alley.
Earlier this year, the Pitts family began a journey they never expected. What started as back and hip pain for Matilda soon became something far more serious. By April, doctors at Bunbury Hospital discovered a tumour in her spine, and within hours, she was flown to Perth Children’s Hospital for emergency treatment. Over the following weeks, Matilda endured a series of intense surgeries. She has since undergone months of chemotherapy, radiation, and recovery in ICU, all with extraordinary strength.
While Matilda remains in Perth undergoing treatment, her family, including her sisters Danika and Georgia, travel back and forth between Crawford Lodge and Roelands, where they are staying with their grandparents. The Pitts family has faced cancer before—Danika, Matilda’s sister, made headlines in 2022 when, after two operations, a new drug successfully stabilised a growing brain cancer which is still being monitored. Both sisters inherited the neurofibromatosis type 1 gene, a rare condition that has brought unexpected challenges.
Matilda enjoying a visit from friends at the hospital, bringing smiles and support.
Matilda's journey has been a remarkable display of courage. Though the road ahead is uncertain, her art, family, and the kindness of the community continue to be sources of strength.
Matilda's family are incredibly proud of their daughter and are in awe of her strength. They express their deepest gratitude for all the community support they have received during this challenging time and ask that we continue to pray for Matilda. As a College community, we look forward to the day we can welcome her back to College life, healthy and reunited with her friends.
Matilda (on the right) participating in the Humanities $20 Boss Project earlier this year.
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