Pretty lights to celebrate a young survivor

Andrew Mathieson
CANCER survivor Matilda Pretty may be young but the Geelong seven-year-old is wise beyond her years.
She’s joining mum Kylie to urge the community to give hope to sufferers living with blood cancers by supporting Leukaemia Foundation’s Light the Night campaign.
Matilda was just three when the brave little girl was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
The Leukaemia Foundation provided financial assistance to ease the burden of medical bills on the family and to provide transport for Matilda’s treatment under one of the foundation’s patient programs.
Mrs Pretty said the foundation had been there for her family during the tough times.
“Light the Night is a wonderful opportunity for the community to gather together to support, remember and celebrate,” she said.
The Prettys are encouraging the community to help the foundation raise $550,000 to fund cutting-edge research and to continue offering free support services for patients and their families.
As part of the fundraiser, supporters will light balloons at twilight on September 1 at Eastern Beach as a show of support for leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma cancer sufferers.
Matilda will light a white balloon to celebrate surviving leukaemia. Mrs Pretty will light a blue balloon to show support for her daughter.
Organisers said Independent readers could sponsor the Prettys or register to participate in Light the Night by phoning 1800 500 088 or visiting www.lightthenight.org.au.
The Independent is a sponsor of Light the Night.